From EVM to CVM...

From EVM to CVM...

Have you noticed the new Red-colored boxes of the size of public PCO on those MCD’s toilets? If yes, then you know what are that which we hereby refer to as CVMs – National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) recently installed the Condom Vending Machines (CVMs) outside the public toilets and in railway stations around the city. Though, not very popular initially, but they are getting good response from the public. People and especially students find it easier and more convenient to simply take out condoms out of the machines by putting in a coin rather than buying from the chemist next door. As Manish, a Delhi University student points out, “There is always a possibility that the chemist recognises you or even knows your relatives. This creates a problem for guys who are staying with their parents and are not married.” The youth finds it a positive radical step against conservatism. Karan, a student from Hindu College, finds it a very constructive step to fight AIDS and strongly believes that it will make the masses more comfortable about condoms.
We are moving ahead in time and gone are the days when a Nirodh or Mala-D advertisements used to make the family go and look out if the gate is locked or the stove is switched off. “Vending machines should be installed for female condoms as well.” says Abhishek, a student of English Honours in Hans Raj College. “They should be installed inside women’s toilets too, so that they can take it for their partners.” (Charu, Delhi School of Economics)
Accessibility stills remains a questionable issue as the search for accessible and at the same time, private and discreet place has multi faceted answers. While, Anjali (name changed) of Delhi School of Economics feels public toilets are the best options, Arjun feels that they should be installed in and outside colleges as well. However, Anand, a student of St. Stephens College feels that colleges are a place of study and CVMs should be kept outside them.
Installation of CVMs inside college campuses might not see the sun rising soon but they are getting acceptance elsewhere. Sanjay Kumar, a senior lecturer from Hans Raj College sees it as “a nice step taken to shift the norms.”
Auto rickshaw drivers and rickshaw pullers also find it pretty convenient to use CVMs than going to the civil hospitals to take cheap condoms but there are problems with it too. As Mukesh points out, “Machines are not timely refilled and as a result I have washed my money a number of times.”
There is a need of making people aware of them also. Many students in the campus we interviewed were not even aware of Condom Vending Machines. Those of who have heard about it were again unaware of the procedure of procuring a condom out of it. “There should be some advertisement in newspapers, etc. about them.” says Neelima (name changed), a student of Khalsa College.
The quality of the condoms can also be improved further to match the quality present in the markets.
A major problem which the CVMs are facing is that of theft and manhandling by the drug addicts. “These drug addicts (read ‘smackies’) come in the night and break away the machines in an attempt to take out condoms for free” points out a policeman. There can be seen machines in North Delhi which are broken and are bereft of the condoms.

No doubt the red “Josh Spot” (as they call it) has made people aware and open to speak about condoms and the installation of CVMs, if not immediately, will gradually show an increase in the usage and acceptance of condoms.

(EVM = Electronic Voting Machines)

- Aman Arora (9718058893)