Finally, The Government Has Lifted GST From Sanitary Napkins

Good news for women all over India — the government has finally lifted the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied on sanitary napkins. The GST council on Saturday revealed their decision, to much appreciation and celebration from across the country, specially groups who have been campaigning for it since last year. 

The tax was not only unfair, as pads are essential for all women, but it also contributed to the stigma surrounding menstruation. With prices sky-rocketing, more adolescent girls were dropping out of schools in rural areas, because they couldn't afford napkins. This decision by the GST council goes a long way in recognising sanitary napkins as essential, easily-accessible period tools, and will hopefully go a long way in helping the cause of reducing the taboo around menstruation.