Subsidised sanitary napkins for rural women

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra government approved a plan to provide sanitary napkins to women in rural areas at subsidised rates to promote hygiene and reduce school absenteeism, an official said here on Tuesday.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“Due to lack of proper care during the menstrual period, there have been many health-related problems pertaining to reproduction in women and girls, according to a health survey conducted in rural areas,” the official said.

Accordingly, the health workers will not only sensitise and create awareness about personal hygiene among the 11-19 age group of girls in mofussil areas, but also provide sanitary napkins at subsidised rates under the Asmita Yojana of the state government.

The official said the survey has revealed that school and college-going girls in the age-group of 11-19 have remained absent for 50-60 days in a year during their menstrual cycles, affecting both their health and academics.