28/05/2021
Government to propose tax waiver on sanitary products
In a statement issued by Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, the government is planning to propose doing away with the 30 percent import duty on sanitary products this Parliament session.
As Bhutan observes Menstrual Hygiene Day today, Lyonchhen shared a message and the government's support for Red Dot Bhutan.
"It is an honour to be a part of this initiative. I would like to thank Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck for leading the Red Dot Bhutan campaign that aims at creating awareness about this biological process that has unfortunately become a barrier for our women and daughters over time.
If delved deeper into the physiology of menstruation, it can be construed as the beginning of a beautiful process, the very onset of life. The female body prepares a conducive environment to receive and nurture the fertilised o**m into a living organism called a human being.
With all the necessary ingredients for us to grow, what is shed as menstruation would have been our first home! I cannot help but wonder how this natural process can be demeaning and disgraceful for women and girls?
It is important to note that our women lose so much nutrition and energy through menstruation.
Many may not notice but they also feel depressed and experience mood swing. It is a subtle, psychological reaction for not having conceived that month. These are some designs of nature which cannot be disputed.
Therefore, the monthly period of our female companion is a profound experience that deserves nothing else but our respect.
While I have no doubt that such campaigns will make a huge difference in understanding and acceptance of menstruation, I urge our women and girls to be as confident and maintain utmost self-respect too.
Finally, on this day, I would like to inform that we are planning to propose doing away with the 30 percent import duty on sanitary products. I have no doubt that my colleagues in the government and the Parliament will support the submission.
It is a small, yet significant gesture to enhance the availability and accessibility of basic sanitary items that would go a long way in infusing comfort and confidence in the lives of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.
Thank you to the Red Dot Bhutan team."
Prime Minister
Pic Courtesy: Menstrual Hygiene Bhutan