In a unique initiative being taken on the forthcoming International Women’s Day on March 8, Ludhiana administration is all set to install 10 sanitary napkin vending machines in nine government girl schools in the city and one in the local women’s jail.
Besides promoting personal hygiene and creating awareness among teenage girls, the first-of-its-kind step in the city and second in the state after Amritsar, will also be of help to those girls, who shy and hesitate from approaching chemists.
The vending machine will dispense three sanitary napkins after a Rs 2 coin is inserted in the machine. The machines will be installed in the washrooms of schools.
Ludhiana deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat, who hit upon this idea after first trying it out at Nari Niketan in Amritsar, said, “The machines costing Rs 25,000 each are being installed by HLL company and are sponsored by HDFC bank and DCB bank under their corporate social responsibility policies.”
Speaking to HT, Bhagat said, “Once machines are installed in nine schools, the administration plans to install them in other government schools of the city. These will go a long way in promoting hygiene and creating awareness.”
Additional deputy commissioner (development) Apneet Riyat, said, “It has been observed that girls, especially those from rural areas, are hesitant to approach anyone for sanitary napkins and intend to take leave from schools. It is a noble way to prevent any infection amongst girls and make napkins available to them without any problem.”
{{/usCountry}}Additional deputy commissioner (development) Apneet Riyat, said, “It has been observed that girls, especially those from rural areas, are hesitant to approach anyone for sanitary napkins and intend to take leave from schools. It is a noble way to prevent any infection amongst girls and make napkins available to them without any problem.”
{{/usCountry}}“The step will benefit girls in a big way as girls will get the napkins instantly and at such a cheap price,” said Kanwaljit Kaur, principal, GSS, Bharat Nagar.
Selected schools
Government Senior Secondary School, Bharat Nagar
Government Senior Secondary School, Lakkar Bazar
Government Senior Secondary School, Division Number 3
Government Senior Secondary School, Sanhewal
Government Senior Secondary School, Salem Tabri
Government Senior Secondary School, Madhopuri
Government Senior Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar
Government Senior Secondary School, Gill Road
Government Senior Secondary School, Khanna