Goal is to make 2.25 Cr Women in Odisha Self-Reliant: Dharmendra

ONI Bureau:   Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday launched the ‘Ujjwala Sanitary Napkin’ initiative in Bhubaneswar.

This initiative is a CSR initiative by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), to set up manufacturing units of Ujjwala Sanitary Napkins at the Common Service Centres across the state. The CSCs will make 45,000-50,000 pads. Each unit will produce 1200-2000 pads each day. These napkins will be priced at Rs. 40/- per pack; each pack containing 8 pads.

Under the initiative 100 local manufacturing units will be set up at Common Service Centres in all 30 districts, covering 93 blocks. Each manufacturing unit will employ 10 Ujjwala women beneficiaries. This initiative will provide employment to about 600 Ujjwala beneficiaries across all districts.

While speaking at the event Pradhan said, the main aim of this initiative is to make 2.25 Crore Women in Odisha self-reliant.

Without empowering them, the dream of New Odisha won’t become a reality, he added.

“To keep all Mothers safe and healthy, a massive movement should be launched to ensure use of sanitary napkin by all women,” said Dharmendra.

Reportedly, the cost of setting up these manufacturing units is Rs. 2.94 Crores.