Vending machines for girls

BANGALORE: It seems that Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is begining to realise its role in educating students about hygiene. The Palike will soon install sanitary napkin vending machines in all the Palike schools and colleges. Not just this, a burning machine will also be installed where used napkins can be disposed.After announcing free medical kits to girl students studying in BBMP schools and colleges free of cost in the recent budget, now the Palike has come out with this novel initiative where girls can get sanitary napkins at their campus. This is an attempt to educate girls about menstrual hygiene.The education standing committee has decided to go ahead with a project to install sanitary napkin vending machines in its schools and colleges. The committee thinks that this will be useful for school girls who are shy to buy sanitary napkins from medical shops.There are 33 high schools, 13 pre-university and one degree college that come under the BBMP.When contacted, Ramesh Raju, chairman, standing committee education, BBMP said that each machine costs Rs. 85,000. “With 50 per cent share from the state government as well as the BBMP, the Palike will purchase the machine, and the same will be installed in all the schools and colleges of the BBMP,” he said. He also said that a private company has come for the demo, which will be done on September 28.Further explaining, Poornima K, Basavanapura corporator who is also the member of the committee, said that one can obtain sanitary napkins by inserting coins. “We are yet to finalise the amount. It will be either three rupees or five rupees,” she said. This is a first of its kind attempt by a corporation in Karnataka. Vending machines come in three categories, and they can produce 20, 40 and 100 sanitary napkins, depending on the type. The Palike is opting for the third category with 100 napkins. “We will instal these machines depending on the girl students’ strength at Palike schools and   colleges,” she said.Burning machinesThe Palike will also purchase burning machines where used sanitary napkins can be disposed. This is a small machine which can be mounted on the wall. “In many of the schools and colleges, girls hesitate to throw it outside and instead put it in the toilet commode. This will block the drainage system. But with the burning machines, used sanitary napkins can be burnt and the ashes can be used as manure for plants,” she added. She said that entire initiative will not exceed more than Rs. 60 lakh.