‘Manel’ Launches Re 1 Sanitary Napkin, Twitter Gasps Over No Women On Stage At The VIP Event

The news of Re 1 sanitary napkin to be sold at Jan Aushadhi stores was received with much applause when the government announced the move on August 27. However, if you notice, it was a “manel” that launched the product.

Many people pointed out the absence of women on the stage at the VIP event for the launch of product that’s meant for women.

"#WomenEmpowerment isn't about just featuring successful women, it is about focusing on health, hygiene & comfort of women across the country," Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, sharing a picture from the event of five men, including him and Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda, holding up the pads in pink packets.

He later tweeted the photos of women being given the sanitary napkin packets.

““I think that this is one of the greatest achievements that has been done by the Prime Minister Modi for the poor people across the country. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, PM Narendra Modi had assured that within 100 days poor women of the country will be provided sanitary napkins at one rupee. Now, that has become a reality,” he added.

Delhi IAS officer Varsha Joshi tweeted, "Never mind the wisecracks about no women on the dias- its a super step forward."

"Where are the women," another Twitter user wrote. A user said men holding sanitary napkins is a "greater taboo breaker".

Several other people pointed out the notable absence of women at the stage ironically at an event meant for women.

The biodegradable sanitary napkin ‘Suvidha’ sold in a pack of four are available at the subsidised price in designated centres across the country.

Earlier, these sanitary napkins were sold at Rs 2.50 per piece.

In similar vein, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya said these napkins under the brand name Suvidha will be available at 5,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.

In an interview with PTI on Monday, Mandaviya had said that during the last one year, around 2.2 crore sanitary napkins have been sold from the Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

“With reduction in the prices, we expect the sales to jump over two times. We are focusing on quality, affordability and accessibility,” he had said.

The government has also launched Jan Aushadhi Sugam Mobile App for locating these stores and a list of medicines available.