The Karnataka government has rekindled its dedication to menstrual hygiene by reviving the Shuchi scheme, which was inactive for the last four years. The initiative’s objective is to provide free sanitary napkins to around 19 lakh adolescent girls, aged 10 to 18, in government and aided schools, as well as colleges throughout the state.
As per Karnataka Health Department officials, the scheme involves the direct distribution of sanitary pads to schools, facilitated by school authorities. Each kit will include 10 sanitary napkins, enough for one year, ensuring the girls have consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. Highlighting the importance of the program, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao underscored its role in enhancing the hygiene and health of female students. The initiative is particularly timely, acknowledging the crucial role of menstrual hygiene management in the overall well-being of young girls.
Moreover, the state government is broadening its endeavors beyond menstrual hygiene to enhance the overall living conditions in residential facilities. This encompasses the improvement of infrastructure and the extension of entitlements for students residing in hostels.
Significantly, there is a move towards adopting eco-friendly practices, with intentions to convert hostel kitchens to LPG-based cooking facilities, ensuring a more environmentally friendly and healthier alternative. This transition can take place for all hostels within the next two years.
Under the administrative purview of the ST&SC Development, M&BCW Department, 1,736 schools are currently operational. Additionally, there are approximately 6,000 hostels throughout the state, including those under the Anwesha and Akankhya programs, accommodating over 500,000 ST&SC students.
With these collaborative initiatives, the Karnataka government aims to improve the well-being and living standards of students throughout the state, establishing a model for comprehensive development and sustainable practices.
(Picture Credit – IB Times)
