Delay In Sanitary Napkin Distribution in Pune : AAP leaders place sanitary napkins on PMC commissioner’s car

In a recent controversy in Pune, the distribution of sanitary napkins to girls in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) schools faced delays due to conflicting interests between Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction MPs and BJP MLAs. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a unique protest by placing sanitary napkins on the municipal commissioner’s vehicle.

The conflict arose when a Shiv Sena MP from outside Pune district attempted to secure a contract for Stayzy Hygiene, while a BJP MLA from Pune city, Kolex, vied for a contract for another company. The dispute caused a dilemma for the civic body, leading to a delay in the tender process.

Initially, the PMC initiated a tender process with three vendors participating. However, both factions were instructed to take further action, further complicating the situation. To address the issue, the PMC decided to cancel the process and rely on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for napkin supply.

Women activists from AAP, including Surekha Bhosale, Chhaya Bhagat, Annie Anish, and others, approached the commissioner to demand the distribution of sanitary napkins in municipal schools. Expressing their discontent, they affixed sanitary napkins to the commissioner’s car in a symbolic protest.

Despite their peaceful demonstration, Rakesh Vitkar, head of the PMC security department, filed a complaint against the protesters for vandalizing government property. Subsequently, the Shivajinagar Police Station detained the 16 protesters for their actions on Thursday night.

The distribution of sanitary napkins to PMC schools had been halted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the civic administration secured an agreement with an organization to provide two lakh napkins, ensuring sufficient stock for a month through CSR initiatives.