Beyond the Pink Tax: A Holistic Policy for Free Sanitary Essentials in India

Beyond the Pink Tax: A Holistic Policy for Free Sanitary Essentials in India

 “A woman’s dignity should not come at the cost of affordability.” These words from Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai resonate deeply in a country where millions of women face significant barriers to accessing basic menstrual hygiene. Menstruation, a natural biological process, is still entangled in stigma and financial hardship for many in India. According to UNICEF, nearly 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to a lack of menstrual hygiene facilities, highlighting the dire consequences of inaction.

While removing the 12% GST on sanitary pads in 2018 was a step forward, it was merely the beginning. Former Indian Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan once stated, “Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it is a national public health concern.” A well-structured policy ensuring free sanitary essentials is not a matter of privilege but a fundamental right.

A comprehensive strategy that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and education will improve public health and drive gender equality and economic empowerment. This article delves into the pressing need for such a policy, the challenges at hand, and the roadmap to achieving menstrual dignity for all.

 

Why Free Sanitary Essentials Are Essential

1. Health and Hygiene

Millions of women in India resort to unhygienic menstrual practices due to a lack of access to sanitary products. A study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research states that over 70% of reproductive ailments in India stem from poor menstrual hygiene. Ensuring free sanitary products would significantly reduce infections and improve the overall well-being of women and girls.

2. Gender Parity and Economic Growth

The economic impact of inadequate menstrual hygiene is often overlooked. Many girls drop out of school due to the unavailability of proper facilities. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlights that around 28% of adolescent girls in rural India miss school during their periods. Addressing period poverty can enable more women to participate in education and the workforce, potentially contributing billions to India's economy.

3. Education and Social Empowerment

Education should not be disrupted by a biological process. In many parts of India, periods are still seen as a taboo subject, leading to misinformation and social exclusion. A policy that ensures free sanitary products in educational institutions can help normalize conversations around menstruation and empower young girls.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Most commercially available sanitary pads contain significant amounts of plastic and take centuries to decompose. A responsible policy must encourage sustainable alternatives like biodegradable pads, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads to reduce environmental harm.

Current Government Initiatives: Successes and Gaps

1. Existing Programs

o   Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene (2011): Aimed at distributing subsidized sanitary products in rural areas, but its outreach remains limited.

o   She Pad Scheme (Kerala, 2017): Provides free sanitary products to schoolgirls, positively impacting education retention rates.

o   Suchna Yojana (Chhattisgarh): Benefits thousands of adolescent girls by supplying free sanitary pads in government schools.

o   Delhi Government Initiative (2022): Reached over 850,000 schoolgirls with free sanitary pads.

o   Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Launched under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), these affordable sanitary napkins are available at Rs. 1 per pad at Janaushadhi Kendras, ensuring cost-effective menstrual hygiene solutions for women.

Despite these commendable efforts, these programs lack national reach and fail to address                marginalized women outside educational institutions.    

2. Budget Constraints

Menstrual hygiene programs receive a minuscule share of India's health budget. Many schemes face financial limitations, leading to supply shortages and discontinuations. Sustainable financial planning is necessary to ensure long-term impact.

Case Study: Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India

In a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, a study conducted by grassroots organizations revealed that nearly 60% of women relied on unsafe alternatives such as old cloth, husk, or even ash during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of affordability and availability of sanitary pads. Schools in the village lacked proper sanitation facilities, leading to high absenteeism among adolescent girls. However, after the implementation of a community-led menstrual hygiene initiative, which provided free biodegradable sanitary pads and menstrual education workshops, school attendance among girls increased by 40%. The initiative also empowered women by involving them in the production of affordable sanitary products, fostering economic independence. This case highlights the urgent need for a nationwide policy to address menstrual hygiene challenges in rural India.

A Framework for an Effective Policy A national policy for free sanitary essentials must focus on Accessibility, Sustainability, Awareness, and Implementation.

1. Expanding Access
• Free sanitary products should be made available in schools, colleges, public hospitals, ration shops, and workplaces.
• Special outreach programs should target rural and marginalized communities through Anganwadi centers and self-help groups.
• Install sanitary pad vending machines at railway stations, bus stops, and offices.
2. Promoting Eco-Friendly Solutions
• Subsidize biodegradable pads, menstrual cups, and cloth-based alternatives.
• Support local manufacturing through incentives for Indian businesses producing sustainable menstrual products.
• Offer a 50% subsidy on eco-friendly menstrual products to encourage widespread adoption.
3. Spreading Awareness and Breaking Taboos
• Implement comprehensive menstrual education programs in schools for both boys and girls.
• Train community health workers (ASHA, and Anganwadi workers) to educate women on safe menstrual practices.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to normalize conversations about menstruation and combat misinformation.
4. Securing Funding and Efficient Execution
• Allocate dedicated funds for menstrual health within the national health budget.
• Establish Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for manufacturing and distribution.
• Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments in menstrual hygiene initiatives.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
• Set up a National Menstrual Hygiene Task Force to oversee policy execution.
• Use real-time tracking systems to manage distribution networks and prevent shortages.
• Conduct annual impact assessments to refine policy approaches based on data-driven insights.
6. Addressing the Unique Needs of Rural and Tribal Women
• Provide mobile health clinics to reach remote areas with menstrual products.
• Work with local leaders and organizations to destigmatize menstrual discussions.
• Ensure customized interventions for tribal communities where menstruation-related discrimination is severe.

Learning from Global Success Stories India can learn from Scotland, which became the first country to legislate free menstrual products in 2020. New Zealand has also successfully implemented free period products in schools. By adapting these models to India's socio-economic landscape, we can create an inclusive and sustainable menstrual health policy.

Conclusion: The Way Forward Menstrual hygiene is a public health necessity and a human rights issue. Providing free sanitary products will improve education retention, workforce participation, and overall health outcomes for millions of women. While India has made significant progress, a nationwide, structured policy is essential to permanently eradicate period poverty.

We must urge lawmakers, policymakers, and citizens to prioritize menstrual hygiene. Beyond eliminating the pink tax, we must advocate for policies that ensure every woman in India has unrestricted access to safe, free menstrual products.