Free sanitary pads & health lessons for school girls

Last Updated: 17 October 2026

2.45 crore free sanitary pads given to 13.65 lakh women in 2026-27 so far^[1]

-- 9 pads every month to each eligible woman through 27,314 Anganwadi centres

Menstrual health now taught in Govt schools (from 29 May 2026): 3.4 lakh+ girls of Classes 6-10 in 3,600+ Govt schools, all 23 districts^[2]

-- 7,200 teachers trained; ~100 master trainers

1. Navi Dishaa scheme (Nov 2025)^[3][4]

2026-27 so far: ₹9.75 crore spent on 2.45 crore pads^[1:1]

-- Total to Mar 2026: 7.37 crore pads, ~₹28 crore^[5]

AAP Govt started 'Navi Dishaa' with ₹53 crore sanctioned^[4:1]

• For all menstruating women aged 15-44 years, focus on school dropouts, BPL women, slum dwellers, homeless & itinerant communities^[3:1]
• Strict rules for procurement, transport, distribution & quality testing to stop irregularities^[4:2]
• Real-time monitoring through mobile apps & digital dashboards; incentives for Anganwadi workers^[4:3]
• Awareness (IEC) campaign on menstrual hygiene for women & adolescent girls^[4:4]

2. Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum in schools^[2:1]

• Launched on Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2026) with WASH United
• Curriculum in Punjabi, taught through stories of 'Ruby', a 10-year-old girl, plus class discussions
• 3-session model: body changes, hygiene & self-care, confidence & supportive school environment
• Aim: periods should never stop a girl from coming to school

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