Sanitary napkins should be tax-free, says Delhi Commission

New Delhi: Sanitary napkins should be made tax-free under the new GST regime, Delhi Commission for Women told the Union finance ministry on Saturday. As per the recently released Goods and Services Tax (GST) schedule for goods, sanitary napkins have been taxed at 12 per cent

The Goods and Services Council on Saturday finalised tax rates for over 1,200 items with a majority of being kept at under 18 per cent rates. Delhi was one of the first states to ratify the GST amendment bill.

“The better half of our population has been bestowed with the gift of motherhood and in this process all females from the tender age of 10-12 years till 45-50 years face monthly menstruation. Since menstruation is a natural phenomenon, hygiene and proper health during this period is a natural fundamental right of each female citizen of this country,” DCW chairperson Swati Jaihind said in her letter to the Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday.

The sanitary napkins are critical for the health and hygiene of women, she said, adding that taxation on the item denies its access to many. “It makes sanitary napkins unaffordable for millions of poor Indian women who end up using dangerous materials such as dirty cloth, straw, ash and sand instead,” the letter said.