Says, 13.65 Lakh Women to Get Monthly Sanitary Napkins Under the Scheme
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the restructuring of the free sanitary napkin distribution programme, now renamed as the ‘Navi Dishaa Scheme’. This major decision aims to ensure a more reliable, streamlined and gap-free implementation process across the state.
Under the revamped scheme, needy women will receive 9 sanitary napkins per month, supplied regularly through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). The scheme aims at a benchmark of 50 beneficiaries per AWC, targeting a minimum of 13,65,700 women every month. She added that efforts will be made to further increase the number of beneficiaries to ensure every eligible woman receives the benefit. For smooth and effective implementation, the Punjab Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹53 crore for the revamped scheme.
Dr. Baljit Kaur explained that the new structure includes well-defined guidelines for procurement, transportation, distribution, monitoring and quality testing to eliminate irregularities. The scheme also introduces incentives for Anganwadi Workers to enhance implementation at the grassroots level.
To improve transparency and accountability, the scheme will make use of IT tools, including mobile applications and digital dashboards, for capturing and reviewing real-time implementation data. An awareness and IEC component has also been introduced to educate women and adolescent girls about healthy menstrual practices and overall well-being.
She further added that the implementation of the scheme will be reviewed after two years to assess progress and further strengthen delivery mechanisms.