The Assam government has made it mandatory for every factory and industry in the state to keep sanitary pads at their disposal.

The step has been taken to promote the importance of menstrual hygiene, especially among men.

"The initiative has been taken keeping in mind the welfare of the women working in the factories and industries," said Assam industries minister Chandra Mohan Patowary.

"The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which was chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal," Patowary added.

"Menstrual hygiene is still one of the least talked about issues in society," said Rita Saharia, a state government employee said to The Story Mug.

"Such a step from the government is highly commendable," she added.

"Availability of sanitary pads at the workplace will definitely help us as immensely," she further opines.

"In most cases, we see that a woman often forgets to carry pads when the period dates are nearby or are in their periods," she added.

"In India, even after so much of scientific advancement, a natural phenomenon like periods are treated as a taboo," she further said.

"Women either has to opt for leave or have to work under great difficulty when on periods," Saharia added.

"Sanitary pads at the workplace will not just help the female workers, but will also educate the male coworkers about menstruation," she said.

"I just hope it is implemented with full force," she added.

In September this year, sanitary pads vending machines were installed in ever police stations and police commissionarate in Gujarat.

This initiative is now being gradually replicated across the country.

With this initiative of the Assam government, it is expected that society will get more educated about menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

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