Chandigarh, March 26
Punjab Government is taking significant and people-centric steps to strengthen women’s health, hygiene and dignity across the state. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur while highlighting the government’s initiative to provide free sanitary pads to poor and needy women.
Dr. Kaur informed that during the current year, the Punjab Government has distributed more than 7.37 crore sanitary pads free of cost, at an expenditure of approximately ₹28 crore. She said that this initiative is playing a crucial role in improving menstrual hygiene while also promoting awareness about women’s health, particularly among economically weaker sections.
The Minister further stated that over 13.65 lakh women across Punjab have directly benefited from this initiative. She added that women, especially from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, are receiving not only financial relief but also improved access to essential hygiene facilities, helping them lead healthier and more dignified lives.
Dr. Kaur further informed that under the ‘Nawi Disha Scheme’, free sanitary pads are being distributed every month through 27,314 Anganwadi Centres across the state. Each eligible woman is provided 9 sanitary pads per month, ensuring regular, accessible and consistent support for menstrual hygiene management.
Dr. Kaur further emphasized that this initiative is also helping in breaking menstrual stigma, improving awareness and ensuring that women and adolescent girls no longer face challenges in accessing basic hygiene facilities.
Highlighting future plans, the Minister stated that during the current financial year, the Punjab Government has set a target to distribute over 3.68 crore additional sanitary pads at an estimated cost of ₹14.60 crore, which will further expand the coverage and benefit a larger number of women across the state.
“The Mann Government is committed to ensuring that every woman in Punjab has access to essential health and hygiene facilities. Our aim is to ensure that no woman is deprived of a healthy, safe and dignified life,” said Dr. Kaur.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she added that the Punjab Government will continue to implement such women-centric and welfare-oriented initiatives to strengthen women’s empowerment and promote a healthier society across the state.
