What the rules provide
India removed the 12 % goods and services tax from sanitary napkins in July 2018 after a national campaign. Access policy runs through subsidised supply rather than free provision by law: the Jan Aushadhi Kendras — government generic pharmacies, more than ten thousand of them — sell biodegradable “Suvidha” pads at one rupee each, the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme distributes subsidised packs to rural adolescent girls through health workers, and several states supply free pads in government schools. A national menstrual hygiene policy was drafted in 2023.
There is no national menstrual leave. Bihar has granted two days a month to women state employees since 1992, Kerala extended leave to students of its state universities in 2023, and a few companies offer it; the Supreme Court asked the central government in 2024 to frame a model policy without imposing one.
Endometriosis is diagnosed and treated mainly in private gynaecology, with public medical colleges as the affordable alternative; insurance covers hospitalisation and surgery but rarely consultations, and awareness remains low. The Endometriosis Society of India runs patient programmes.
Reusable products — cups, cloth pads, period underwear — are also GST-free; nothing is reimbursed.
Key points
| GST | 0 % since July 2018 (12 % before) |
|---|---|
| Subsidised supply | Suvidha pads at ₹1 in Jan Aushadhi Kendras; Menstrual Hygiene Scheme for rural adolescents |
| Schools | Free pads in government schools in several states |
| Menstrual leave | Bihar (state employees, 1992), Kerala (university students, 2023); no national law |
| Endometriosis | Mostly private gynaecology; medical colleges as public option; surgery insured, consultations rarely |
In practice
- Look for the nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra: Suvidha pads cost one rupee each.
- Ask the school or the ASHA worker about free or subsidised packs.
- For pelvic pain, see a gynaecologist at a medical college if cost matters; ask about endometriosis by name.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly ₹30 to ₹200 in disposables, GST-free, or ₹10 with Suvidha pads. Nothing is reimbursed.
What has changed recently
The Supreme Court's 2024 intervention and the draft national policy of 2023 have put menstrual leave and school provision on the agenda without a national law yet.
Where to find help
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJP): one-rupee Suvidha pads.
- State education departments and ASHA workers: school and rural schemes.
- Endometriosis Society of India.
- Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, Ministry of Health.
Worth knowing
Tax-free does not mean affordable: most Indian women still cannot buy commercial pads regularly. The one-rupee pads and cloth alternatives exist for that reason.
Frequently asked questions
Is there GST on sanitary pads in India?
No, not since July 2018.
Is there menstrual leave in India?
Only in a few states — Bihar for state employees, Kerala for university students — and some companies. No national law.
Where can I find cheap pads?
Jan Aushadhi Kendras sell Suvidha pads at one rupee each; ASHA workers distribute subsidised packs in rural areas.
Official sources and links
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana — one-rupee Suvidha pads
- Ministry of Health — Menstrual Hygiene Scheme — subsidised pads for rural adolescents
- India.gov.in — national portal of India
- India Code — central and state legislation