The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, created the Khushi Scheme to improve menstrual hygiene by giving free sanitary napkins to teenage girls in government and government-aided schools, as well as subsidized napkins for rural women. The Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited manages the scheme’s execution.
Objectives
- Promote menstrual hygiene.
- Ensure easy availability to sanitary products and improve knowledge of healthy menstrual hygiene practices.
- Reduce school dropout rates.
- By providing free sanitary napkins, the program serves to minimize absenteeism and dropouts among teenage females.
- Economic Empowerment
- Support local sanitary pad manufacture and distribution to provide job opportunities and empower women in rural communities.
Benefits
- Free or Subsidized Napkins
Girls in government and government-aided schools receive free sanitary pads, and rural women can purchase them at a subsidized rate. - Education and Awareness
Ongoing campaigns to educate girls and women on healthy menstrual practices, helping maintain better hygiene. - Support for Adolescent Girls
Ensures school-aged girls stay in class and don’t miss school days due to lack of menstrual hygiene facilities. - Employment Opportunities
Local production initiatives create jobs and spur economic growth in rural areas. - Prevention of Health Issues
Encourages using sanitary products to avoid infections, rashes, and other menstrual hygiene-related health problems.
Eligibility
- Resident of Odisha
- Girls from Class 6th to 12th in government or government-aided schools.
Application Process
Offline
- No Formal Application: Girls in classes 6th to 12th automatically receive free sanitary napkins at their school.
- Rural Women: They can contact their local ASHA worker to purchase 6 napkins at ₹6 each.
- Local Health Centers: Women may also visit Primary Health Centers (PHCs) or community health centers for more information.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Residence
- School ID Card (for students)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this scheme only for girls?
Yes, it primarily targets adolescent girls in classes 6th to 12th for free sanitary pads, and rural women can also benefit from subsidized napkins. - Who is eligible for this scheme?
All Odisha residents studying in government/government-aided schools (classes 6 to 12). Rural women can avail subsidized products. - What is the purpose of this scheme?
It aims to improve menstrual hygiene, reduce dropout rates among girls, and empower women by promoting accessible sanitary pads. - Is there any such benefit for grown-up women in Odisha?
Yes, rural women can get subsidized sanitary napkins at a nominal rate from their local ASHA worker. - Is there any application procedure to get free sanitary napkins under this scheme?
No, schoolgirls receive them automatically at their schools. Rural women may approach ASHA workers directly. - How do they keep track of the stocks and distribution and ensure proper monitoring of this scheme?
The Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited handles procurement and distribution. Monitoring is done via school records, local health workers, and periodic reviews.