Bhopal: The women in city have welcomed the decision of the government to exempt sanitary napkins from the ambit of GST. It is a good move but the decision should have been taken earlier, after all the matter is related to women health and hygiene, said the women while talking to Free Press. “We can’t compromise with our health,” they said. They also demanded that the government should distribute sanitary napkins free of cost to women belonging to lower class.
On Saturday, the government has decided to exempt sanitary napkins from the ambit of Goods and Service Tax (GST) after a year of protests and campaigns. As the GST council removed the 12 per cent tax on the menstrual hygiene product. Excerp.
Dr. Shalini Saxena, doctor
It must have exempted from GST earlier. It is need of females and it affects their health directly. We should not compromise with our health. The cost of sanitary pads has become so expensive that females of middle class were unable to afford it. So, we can imagine the condition of girls and women belonging to lower middle class. It is a good decision, and will help women to maintain menstrual hygiene. But I hope the government has not taken the decision keeping elections in mind.
Aprajita Agrawal, social activist
It is good initiative as sanitary pad is not a luxury item. It is a monthly necessity. And there is also need to check its quality. Still, there are many government hospitals where bad quality sanitary pad is being used for it costs low which should not be done. The government should not compromise with its quality. Tax should be on tobacco and wine not on sanitary pads
Shalini Gupta, film and theatre actor
We welcome the decision but it has been taken very late. Khair der aaye durust aaye. After all, the matter is related to women’s health and hygiene directly. It is need of every female and it should be within their reach. Every government should think on it. I think, the government should distribute sanitary pads free of cost to the females of lower income grade.
Afshan Afsar, teacher
It is very good move. Now, it will be in reach of females belonging to poor family. They will not have to compromise with their health. Besides benefiting health, no GST on sanitary pads will also help to maintain monthly budget. We will able to use the money in other household items.
Shalini Malviya, media student
I am very happy by the decision. It is the expense we cannot avoid it. So, I have to buy it at any cost whether is taxed or tax less. Now, I can save my pocket money and use it for other expanses. The decision will make our life easier as well as healthy.
