Srinagar, Feb 28: School Education Department has decided to distribute sanitary napkins in government educational institutes among all female students of 8th to 12th standard.

OSD with Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) said this in a communique to Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of the region regarding promotion and awareness of menstrual hygiene.

The officer said that the Government of India, having recognized the importance of menstrual hygiene to the health, well-being and educational achievements of girls and women has been implementing schemes and programmes to improve menstrual hygiene management.

It has also said that it will disseminate knowledge, access and disposal of menstrual waste and sanitation in schools

“The Department has launched a new scheme for promotion and awareness of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in schools,” the official said.

It also said, “Sanitary Napkins supplied under the ’Suvudha Sarathi’ Scheme will be made available free of cost to schools and will be distributed free to girl students of class 8th to 12th on monthly basis.”

“In this connection, I am directed to request you to issue instruction to the Government girls and co-ed schools to register under the scheme with details of the number of girls enrolled in respective schools, to avail the benefit under this noble scheme,” he said.

The officer further said that he was directed to request CEOs to nominate District Level Nodal Officer (Preferably female) which shall reach DSEK by or before February-28-2023 for its onward submission.kno