After A Year-Long Criticism, Sanitary Napkins Are Finally Exempt From GST

NEW DELHI: Sanitary napkins have been exempted from the Good and Services Tax (GST), Maharashtra finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said on Saturday after a meeting of the GST Council.

Sanitary napkins were taxed at 12 per cent tax under the one-year old GST regime, which attracted serious criticism from various quarters.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 28th GST Council meeting, the minister also said that tax on bamboo has been slashed to 12 per cent.

People lauded this much-welcome decision by the government and expressed their acknowledgment and appreciation on social media. 

After a year-long fight #GSTCouncil has abolished tax on sanitary pads! Feminine Hygiene is now tax free! Lives will be saved! Thank you to the FM, the Government of India and the GST council. Also, take a bow @TrishaBShetty and @SheSaysIndia pic.twitter.com/BGwd2xdGCl

— Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) July 21, 2018

Now that's what I call an incredible move.
Many thanks to our Government for taking a decision to Exempt Sanitary Napkin from the Umbrella of GST, which not only empower our women's but also encourage healthy nation.#GSTCouncilMeet

— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) July 21, 2018

Finally some sense knocked into the Centre by the GST council. Tax exemption of sanitary pads crucial for women empowerment. Wonder why the delay though! https://t.co/iUwWmGt4Yp

— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) July 21, 2018