In a welcome move towards women hygiene, the government has planned to slash the price of sanitary napkins sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras to Re 1 from the current Rs 2.50.?
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya, in an interview with PTI said, that the biodegradable sanitary napkins 'Suvidha' will be available at the subsidised?price at designated centres from August 27.?
The pads are currently sold for Rs 10 in a pack of 4. This pack will now cost Rs 4 only.?
"We are launching oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at Re 1 from tomorrow. These napkins under the brand name Suvidha will be available at 5,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country," Mansukh Mandaviya reportedly said.
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He further said, "Currently, the manufacturers are supplying the sanitary napkins at their cost of production. So, we will provide subsidy to bring down the retail price."
He informed that the sanitary napkins scheme was announced in March 2018 and made available three months later from May 2018.?
"During the last one year, around 2.2 crore sanitary napkins have been sold from these stores. With reduction in the prices, we expect the sales to jump over two times. We are focusing on quality, affordability and accessibility," Mansukh Mandaviya said.?
This comes as a welcome move because currently, a pack of branded napkins containing 6-8 pieces costs somewhere between 32-40 bucks. Subsidised?rates of napkins will make them available to more women who cannot afford them. This should give a major boost to female hygiene.?