Indian sex workers are concerned over the poor quality of free condoms and have threatened the government to hold a demonstration if measures are not taken, Times of India reported on Monday.
New Delhi sex workers claim that the free condoms provided to them through various non-governmental organizations supplied through the Indian government are of very poor quality and cause itching and irritation.
"Condoms given to us are really of very bad quality. We do not feel like using them. Irritation and other infections are some of the common side effects," Sunita, a sex worker, said.
"Condoms even rupture and make us susceptible to various sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS," Kanta, another sex worker and the owner of a brothel said.
The Indian government provides free condoms to the country's sex workers through different NGOs to prevent them from being infected by sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
"As you have brought the issue to our notice, we will direct the concerned officials to immediately look into the matter and submit their report," Aradhana Johri, Joint Secretary at National AIDS Control Organization, said adding that all the free condoms distributed meet set standards.
Officially, prostitution is illegal in India. However, about 5,000 women across India work in about 116 brothels.
NEW DELHI, December 28 (RIA Novosti)
