BJP Manifesto promises sanitary napkin at Re 1

A sanitary napkin for Re 1 to all women and girls across India. This is how the BJP sought to ensure reproductive and menstrual health services.

“With the expansion of ongoing Suvidha scheme, sanitary pads at an affordable cost of just Rs 1 will be provided to all women and girls,” the manifesto promised.

Last year the GST Council had to exempt sanitary napkins from the tax after months of outrage from women all over the country over the government’s decision to levy a 12% charge on the essential commodity.

A group of students had written messages on the napkins to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to eliminate the levy.

What added to the outrage was the government’s decision to exempt articles such as bindi, sindoor, and kajal from GST but not sanitary napkins.

Several celebrities had also spoken out against the move. Famous actress Konkona Sen Sharma had said, “If you don’t have any control over your bodily function, how can it be considered to be taxed under luxury goods?"

Many had then called it a “skewed idea of women empowerment”.