Swacch Association is working with Vardaan under corporate social responsibility of Western Coalfield Limited (WCL) installed semi-automatic vending machines for sanitary pads in various schools. So far, sanitary pad vending machines have been installed in 12 schools in Nagpur city and one in Koradi. The model also involved procurement of stock of sanitary napkins for one year.
These sanitary napkins were then provided to the schools with vending machines installed. Most schools were incapable of buying sanitary pads, stated a press release issued by Swacch Association. Hence, the Association is providing low-cost pads. Also, to ensure that there is a regular supply of pads in the schools for girls, semi-automatic machines have been installed. For the next year, Swacch Association will likely be procuring pads in advance to continue with its support through corporate social responsibility funding for these schools. For the responsible disposal of sanitary napkins, the Association has given feminine hygiene bins.
These bins have an anti-bacterial lining that fights the odour. Pads collected are later sent to the bio-medical waste collector. Bio-medical waste disposal is done by a central unit at Bhandewadi.
The response to a query filed under Right to Information Act by Anusuya Kale Chabrani, President of Swacch Association, revealed that the small operators lacked certification from MPCB. The gases released from incinerators are hazardous. Hence, stated the press release, environment clearances are of the utmost importance.
