Union minister Uma Bharti today suggested training women self-help groups in making affordable sanitary napkins which could be provided free to schoolgirls.
She wrote on Twitter: "A large number of menstruating women, especially schoolgirls, find it difficult to get their hands on good sanitary napkins -- either they are unavailable or are costly."
"I, in collaboration with the skill development ministry, have decided to prepare a scheme in this regard," she said.
Bharti said "women self-help groups availing benefits of the Mudra scheme can be trained in making low-cost sanitary pads", which can be sold at affordable prices and given free to schoolgirls.
The minister said women in India "hesitate" in speaking up on issues concerning menstruation and discussions take place on whether they should visit places of worship during periods.
"Indian society has never been narrow minded on the issue. Assam's 'Kamaksha Temple' is the greatest example. Like open defecation-free environment, women also have the right to get clean and hygienic sanitary napkins. My ministry will work towards it," Bharti tweeted.
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