Free sanitary napkins for government school girls

To ensure menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls, the Delhi government has launched a scheme under which free sanitary napkins will be given to all girl students. HT reports.

To ensure menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls, the Delhi government has launched a scheme under which free sanitary napkins will be given to all girl students.

HT Image

The scheme called 'Kishori' was launched by Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday.

This scheme will benefit 7.5 lakh girl students every month. "Delhi has become the first state to launch this unique scheme. Our government will spend R1.05 crore every month on this," said Dikshit.

"The lack of information and access to affordable options to maintain basic hygiene standards during those days every month not only affects the health - it might result in bacterial infection and cervical cancer - but also translates into girls turning away from sports activities or even missing classes, thus jeopardising their future," the chief minister added.

Dikshit also inaugurated a workshop to sensitise teachers and other staff of the education department on the implementation of this scheme across Delhi.

Over 7.5 lakh girls studying in classes 6 to 12, across 729 government and aided schools of Delhi are going to benefit from this scheme. The government will provide free sanitary napkins to these girl students every month.

The scheme will be implemented from December 1.