Hubballi:The Young India Organization of Hubballi has launched a new campaign to make masks available for all at an affordable price. They have put up an automated mask vending machine in Hubballi, which will also be installed in 12 other locations for the first time in the state of Karnataka. At present, a three-layered surgical mask is available for Rs 5 to Rs 10 in the market. However, with the mask vending machines one can purchase a mask for just Rs 2 only. The mask vending machine was successfully tested in Chennai city in neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
The mask vending machines were inaugurated by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi and State Minister Jagadish Shettar. These vending machines will be placed in densely populated areas of Hubballi-Dharwad city. The organization has decided to set up machines at APMC, bus stations, railway stations and at the offices of the District Collector and Tahsildar. Youth India is planning to provide masks for up to 6 months and help the public with more such machines in the future, if needed.