New Delhi: The Centre is all set to slash price of sanitary napkins and will now be available at Jan Aushadhi stores at Re 1 per piece. Earlier it was priced at Rs 2.50.

This is a massive push for women hygiene. The Narendra Modi government took the decision of providing already subsidised napkins at a minimal price. The new rates will be applicable from today (August 27).

The announcement was made by minister of state for chemicals and fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi.

A packet (four pads in one packet) was sold at Rs 10. Now, it will be available for Rs 4.

Speaking to PTI, Mandaviya said, "We are launching oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at Re 1 from tomorrow. These napkins under the brand name Suvidha will be available at 5,500 Jan Aushadhi kendras across the country."

Thus the Centre has reduced the price more than 60%. The Modi-led government has fulfilled the promise made by the BJP in its manifesto for 2019 general elections, he said.

"Currently, the manufacturers are supplying the sanitary napkins at their cost of production. So, we will provide subsidy to bring down the retail price," added Mandaviya.

The sanitary napkins scheme was announced in March 2018 and were available in the Jan Aushadhi kendras from May 2018.

Giving details of the sales, Mandaviya said, "During the last one year, around 2.2 crore sanitary napkins have been sold from these stores. With reduction in the prices, we expect the sales to jump over two times. We are focusing on quality, affordability and accessibility."

Currently, the market rate of each pad ranges from Rs 6 to Rs 8. The government will take measures to ensure there is no diversion of these subsidised sanitary napkins, he said.