Drive to install sanitary napkin-vending machines at airports across India
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has launched a laudable initiative for women, coincidentally around the release of movie 'PadMan.' In October, Indore Airport became the first in the country to receive sanitary napkin vending machines. Since then, such machines have been installed at Rajkot, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Trivandrum, Vishakhapatnam, Pune, Vadodara, Guwahati and many others. The Kolkata Airport recently got 20 machines.
Napkins priced affordably at Rs. 5-10
The machines are installed at ladies' washrooms at the arrival as well as departure areas in the airports. The need was felt since there are no medical shops inside or near many airports, and movement in and out of terminals is difficult. According to AAI chief Guruprasad Mohapatra, most machines hold 25-40 napkins, with packs priced at Rs. 5-10.
Vending machine installation a part of Project DISHA
This step will ensure women's hygiene-related needs are met at affordable prices as well as address the stigma surrounding menstruation, an AAI spokesperson said. Port Blair, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Tirupati, Agartala, Imphal, Shimla and other airports have already gotten vending machines. The task has been taken up under Project DISHA, aimed at improving facilities for passengers. Modern toilets are also being constructed at some airports.
Bhubaneswar unit announces launch on Twitter
Meanwhile, PadMan earned over Rs. 62cr in the first week
Last week, 'PadMan,' a biopic on social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, was released. Muruganantham is credited with inventing a machine that makes low-cost sanitary napkins. 'PadMan' actor Akshay Kumar has taken the onscreen initiative offline, installing a sanitary napkin vending machine at the Mumbai Central ST Bus Depot. There are plans to install more, he said. The movie earned Rs. 62.87cr in the first week.
