Over 10 Lakh Girls In Gujarat Government Schools To Get Free Sanitary Napkins
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat government has approved a budget of ₹46.68 crore to provide free sanitary napkins to more than 10 lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in government schools across the state.
The initiative, being implemented by the Education Department, aims to improve menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls and encourage regular attendance during menstruation.
₹30 Per Month For Sanitary Napkins
Under the scheme, each eligible student will receive quality oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost every month.
The government has made a budgetary provision of ₹360 per girl annually, equivalent to ₹30 per month.
The sanitary napkins will be distributed directly through schools so that students can access them in a comfortable and supportive environment without hesitation.
Female Teachers To Oversee Distribution
A female teacher at each school will be appointed as the nodal teacher to oversee the distribution of sanitary napkins.
The nodal teacher will also provide students with scientific information about menstrual hygiene and physical health, helping address misconceptions and concerns related to menstruation.
Schools Directed To Ensure Proper Disposal
The Education Department has also issued guidelines for the disposal of used sanitary napkins.
Schools will have to follow the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and ensure that used pads are wrapped in paper, kept separate from wet and dry waste and handed over through the local waste collection system.
Schools with sanitary pad incinerators have also been instructed to ensure that the machines remain functional and receive timely servicing.
Aim To Improve Girls’ School Attendance
The initiative is aimed particularly at helping girls in rural and remote areas, where menstruation can contribute to absenteeism from school.
The government said the free distribution of sanitary napkins would reduce the financial burden on families while promoting menstrual hygiene and encouraging girls to continue attending school regularly.
The initiative is also being positioned as part of the broader goals of women’s empowerment and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’.
