With a massive push towards women empowerment and hygiene, the government has decided to reduce the price of sanitary napkins to just one rupee in its Jan Aushadhi Kendras from the previous Rs.2.50.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya told media in an interview that the biodegradable sanitary napkins 'Suvidha' will be available at the subsidized price at designated centers from August 27 across the country.
The pads will be sold in a pack of four which currently cost Rs 10. These from Tuesday will be priced for Rs 4 only, he added.
"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," Mandaviya 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," Mandaviya said, who Minister of State (Independent charge) is also for Shipping.
The sanitary napkins scheme was announced on March 2018 and it will be available in Jan Aushadhi Kendras from May 2018.
About 58 percent of women aged between 15 to 24 years use locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons, according to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said in a statement.
