Campaign launched for shy condom buyers

Campaign launched for shy condom buyers - Times Of India You are here: Home>Collections>CondomsRELATED KEYWORDS:CondomsCampaign launched for shy condom buyersIANS Jul 11, 2011, 08.35pm ISTTags:World Population Day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "I am not Shy" campaign to overcome shyness in buying a pack of condoms from an outlet was launched here Monday by state-run Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) on the occasion of World Population Day.

According to a recent survey, modern contraceptives still remain out of reach for millions in India which is all set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation by 2025.

In the survey conducted it was found that one out of three Indians is still shy to buy condoms from pharmacies and other shops, thus affecting the progress of family planning and leading to unprotected sex. The initiative by HLL is to address this 'shy' factor directly.

The nationwide campaign was flagged off by Kerala health minister Adoor Prakash at a medical store in the heart of the city.

As part of the campaign, HLL volunteers will go to public places like railway stations and bus stands, and will distribute condoms and other contraceptives free of cost along with brochures to raise awareness levels.

Besides, the company, which has been in the forefront of population stabilising efforts along the union health ministry, will also set up more vending machines across the country and conduct awareness campaigns in remote tribal areas.

"World Population Day reaffirms the right of people to plan their families and future. It is an occasion to further scale up the activities aimed at helping the people to enjoy this right. We are launching the campaign, mainly targeting the marginalised and the young," said HLL CMD M. Ayyappan.

HLL produces over 1.316 billion condoms annually - accounting for 10% of the total global production. "Moods" brand of condom from the HLL portfolio is available in 19 variants and was selected as a "super brand" and "power brand" in India.

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Pension scheme for unorganised sector launched

Jose K. Mani M.P. launching the State-wide Swavalamban Yojana, a National Pension Scheme for the Unorganised Sector, in Kottayam on Monday.

Workers have to contribute Rs.1,000 a year to Swavalamban Yojana

The State-wide launch of Swavalamban Yojana, the national pension scheme for the unorganised sector, was held here on Monday.

Speaking after launching the scheme, Jose K. Mani, MP, said that such welfare schemes, introduced by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), had great importance in bringing the economic and social security initiatives of the Central government into fruition.

The scheme, promoted by the PFRDA, under the Central government, is implemented through selected agencies across the nation. ESAF Microfinance has been selected as the implementing partner for the scheme in seven States, including Kerala. PFRDA Executive Director Padma Iyer Kaul presented a detailed report on the pension scheme during the inaugural function.

In his welcome address, K. Paul Thomas, managing director, ESAF Microfinance, lauded the Central government for formulating such a policy. He also said that the scheme would benefit nearly 4.5 lakh ESAF clients spread across seven States in India.

Kottayam municipal chairperson Sunny Kalloor presided over the function.

PFRDA Deputy General Manager Rakesh Sharma, Deputy Labour Commissioner Joseph K. Paul, ESAF Microfinance board member R. Prabha, director operations George Thomas, and former MLA V.N. Vasavan spoke on the occasion.

Later, speaking at a press conference, Ms. Kaul said that through the Swavalamban Yojana scheme, the government aimed at providing protection to people working in the unorganised sector in their old age. A person joining the programme should contribute an amount of Rs.1,000 a year. The government should also contribute an equal amount annually until the financial year of 2013-14. The accumulating amount would be invested by the government in funds having growth prospects.

The beneficiaries will be able to avail of the pension when they turn 60, based on the amount accumulated. They will also have the option of withdrawing their respective amounts partially, subject to certain conditions.

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