Bengaluru: While women have lashed out at Modi government over GST on sanitary pads, BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash has justified the move inviting strong criticism from various corners.
Malavika reacted to issue and said, “We do not need sanitary pads. Multi-national companies have been dumping sanitary pads in India as developed countries have rejected it. Cloth is more hygienic than sanitary pads. We need to stop following the west blindly.”
Malavika’s defence on her party’s decision to impose GST on sanitary pads invited lot of criticism from various corners.
A FB user criticised her and said that her opinion would encourage Baba Ramdev to come up with Patanjali condoms. Another user said that there are only two trending topics on social media. They are ‘Ondu Motteya Kateh’ and ‘Malavika Batteya Vyathe’!
Women across the state have been criticising Modi-led government for levying 12 percent tax on sanitary pads. The enraged women also started campaign on social media, “Don’t tax my period” against the central government for causing injustice to women. Under GST, Kumkum and bangles have been made tax-free but the government has levied 12 percent tax on sanitary pads.
“Sex is a choice, but periods are not. When condom is tax free why can’t napkins be?”, women raised their voice. Renowned Gynecologist from Bengaluru Padmini Prasad also lashed out at the central government for levying 12 percent tax on sanitary pads. “Even now women in rural areas cannot afford to buy sanitary pads. I support this campaign,” she said.
Several women vented their anger against the present GST reform which PM Modi had labelled as “Good and Simple Tax.” They also demanded that sanitary pads should be given at a subsidised rate instead of putting taxes on them. One of the Twitter users had commented, “The only explanation for sanitary napkins being taxed at 12 percent under GST is that the GST Council has ‘only’ men on it and men don’t get periods.” Another woman commented, “About 80 percent of the Indian women can’t afford proper menstrual hygiene.12 percent GST on sanitary napkins. 0 percent on sindoor, bangles and bindis. Do ask Mr Arun Jaitley why?” Another woman supporting the campaign said, “Why luxury tax is levied on sanitary napkins! Only rich women bleed? Its high time we should know its an essential not luxury.”
