In a massive push for women hygiene, the government will slash the price of sanitary napkins sold from its Jan Aushadhi Kendras to just Re 1 per piece from Rs 2.50 currently.

The biodegradable sanitary napkins 'Suvidha' will be available at the subsidised price at designated centres from August 27, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya told PTI in an interview in New Delhi.

The pads are sold in a pack of four which currently cost Rs 10. These from Tuesday will be priced for Rs 4 only, he said.

"We are launching oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at Re 1 from tomorrow. These napkins under the brand name Suvidha will be available at 5,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country," Mandaviya said.

With the reduction of prices by 60 per cent, he said, Modi-led government has fulfilled the promise made by the BJP in its manifesto for 2019 general elections.

"Currently, the manufacturers are supplying the sanitary napkins at their cost of production. So, we will provide subsidy to bring down the retail price," Mandaviya said, who is also Minister of State (Independent charge) for Shipping.

On being asked about the total annual expenditure on the subsidy, the minister said it will depend on the sales volume.

He said the sanitary napkins scheme was announced on March 2018 and those were made available in the Jan Aushadhi Kendras from May 2023.

"During the last one year, around 2.2 crore sanitary napkins have been sold from these stores. With the reduction in the prices, we expect the sales to jump over two times. We are focusing on quality, affordability and accessibility," Mandaviya added.