Dharmendra Pradhan to launch Ujjwala Sanitary Napkins Initiative in Odisha

ONI Bureau:  Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will launch Ujjwala Sanitary Napkins Initiative in Odisha on December 30.

Under the Ujjwala Sanitary Napkin initiative 100 local manufacturing units will be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all 30 districts, covering 93 blocks in the state of Odisha. The cost of setting up these manufacturing units is Rs. 2.94 Crores.

Each facility will have the capacity to produce 1200-2000 pads each day and will have a sterilization room to ensure that the napkins are sterilised before they are packed for consumption of rural women. The CSCs are also being provided with raw material, enough to make 45,000-50,000 pads.

These napkins will be priced at Rs. 40/- per pack; each pack containing 8 pads.

Fulfilling the purpose of this CSR initiative, each manufacturing unit will employ 5 to 6 Ujjwala beneficiaries thus providing employment to about 600 Ujjwala beneficiaries across all districts.

By providing women training in manufacturing and sale of sanitary napkins, this initiative not only provides them with a dignified channel to earn their livelihood but also equips them with entrepreneurial skills.