Karnataka Shuchi Scheme: Karnataka re-launches free sanitary pad scheme for school, college girls

Karnataka Shuchi Scheme: The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme, an initiative by the state government, is set to resume providing sanitary pads to school girls. After a three-year hiatus, the program aims to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and distribute sanitary products to girls. Recently, on September 11 in Mangaluru, Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, launched a trial program under the Shuchi Nanna Maithri project. This initiative involves the free distribution of menstruation cups to pre-university students in government and government-aided colleges. The pilot project will initially operate in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Chamarajanagar.

Karnataka Shuchi Scheme Details

Scheme Name	Karnataka Shuchi Scheme
Initiated by	Government of Karnataka
Introduced by	Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare
Introduced On	September 11, 2023
Beneficiaries	Girl Students of Karnataka
Age Group	10 to 18 years
Objective	Provide menstrual cups to students

Objective of the Karnataka Shuchi Scheme

The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme, introduced by the Government of Karnataka on September 11, 2023, aims to support the health and well-being of girl students aged 10 to 18 years. The scheme, spearheaded by Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, focuses on providing menstrual cups to these students. This initiative is designed to ensure that female students have access to a sustainable and hygienic menstrual hygiene solution. By distributing menstrual cups, the government aims to promote a healthy and comfortable experience for young girls during their menstrual cycle.

Karnataka Shakti Smart Card

The beneficiaries of this scheme are the girl students of Karnataka, and the age group targeted is between 10 to 18 years. The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to the health and dignity of young girls by addressing menstrual hygiene needs.

Key Features of Karnataka Shuchi Scheme

1. The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme, which was paused for the past three years, is resuming its mission to educate people about menstrual hygiene and provide sanitary napkins to young women.
2. The distribution of Shuchi-Nanna Maithri menstrual cups has commenced in Dakshina Kannada and Chamarajanagar districts. Sanitary pads will be provided to schoolchildren from the next month.
3. The government has released a tender for the distribution of sanitary pads to female students as part of the Shuchi project.
4. The initiative aims to provide 40 lakh sanitary pads to pupils aged 10 to 18, with an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. Tenders have been issued in four divisional tiers for the project.
5. Actress Saptami Gowda is the brand ambassador for the Maithri menstrual cup campaign under the state government’s Shuchi project.

Benefits of Karnataka Shuchi Scheme

1. The Shuchi-Nanna Maithri scheme will distribute around 15,000 menstruation cups to PU students in government and aided schools in Dakshina Kannada and Chamarajanagar districts.
2. Depending on the response, the plan aims to expand to all districts in the state.
3. The scheme seeks to break the taboo surrounding menstruation by encouraging open discussions. Menstruation is a natural biological process that should be discussed without stigma.
4. Emphasizing the importance of using menstruation cups, the scheme encourages females to become ambassadors in their communities, spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene.

Karnataka Shuchi Scheme Online apply

1. No Application Needed:
   • Students don’t have to apply individually for the Karnataka Shuchi Scheme.
2. Sanitary Pads Distribution:
   • Concerned schools will receive sanitary pads for eligible school girls.
3. Free Availability:
   • Girls in eligible schools can get these pads for free.
4. Easy Access:
   • The distribution will happen within the respective schools.

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