A new policy on women to exempt taxes on sanitary napkins soon

A government committee headed by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has decided to frame a national policy that would benefit women. The government is aware of the fact that women in Indian society are often deprived of convenience that men enjoy. Keeping that in mind, the policy may lower income tax for single women, bring in Aadhar-linked health cards for basic health checkups at zero cost and introduce cashless medical facilities for pregnant women.

The long standing demand from women to make sanitary napkins free would be dealt by waiving off taxes over women hygiene products. Another major issue that cripples movement of women on road is lack of proper sanitation. However, this policy would ensure availability of clean public toilets.

There have often been incidents where NRI women are affected by matrimony related disputes including domestic violence. The policy is being framed keeping the same in mind. By 2030, each workplace across the country would be asked to have at least 50% of workforce comprising of women.

For the women from rural background, the government intends to start Kisan credit cards, which would have lower interest rates for women. Prime Minister’s pet project Jan Dhan Yojana and Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan would cover all rural women and aim at making them 100% literate.