The scheme for promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years is implemented by the Government since 2011 with the objective to increase awareness among adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene, to increase access to and use of high-quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls, and to ensure safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner.
In addition, since 2015-16, the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme is being supported by the National Health Mission through State Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) route based on the proposals received from the States. States/ UTs have decentralized procurement of sanitary napkins for ensuring quality standards.
Sanitary napkins are sold to adolescent girls at subsidized rates at the village level by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA).
Further, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), an important step in ensuring health security for Indian women, Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary napkins was launched on 27.08.2019 to be made available at Rs. 1/- per pad only. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Napkins are available for sale in more than 8000 PMBJP Kendras across the country.
In view of the easy availability of affordable and quality Sanitary Napkins, the Ministry of Women & Child Development is not considering the installation of affordable sanitary napkin dispensers in Public Toilets and other public places.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
