Chandigarh, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has distributed more than 2.45 crore sanitary pads free of cost during the current financial year, benefiting over 13.65 lakh women across the state at an expenditure of approximately ₹9.75 crore, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Friday.
The initiative, implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to improve access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly for women from economically weaker and underprivileged sections of society.
Dr Baljit Kaur said access to safe menstrual hygiene products was not merely a health necessity but also a matter of dignity, confidence and empowerment. The initiative has helped raise awareness about menstrual hygiene while easing the financial burden on women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The minister further said that under the ‘Navi Disha’ scheme, every eligible woman receives nine sanitary pads free of cost each month through 27,314 Anganwadi centres across Punjab. The extensive distribution network is intended to ensure regular access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly for women living in rural and underserved areas.
Highlighting the broader social impact of the scheme, Dr Baljit Kaur said the initiative was helping challenge longstanding myths and social taboos associated with menstruation. It was also encouraging open discussions, improving awareness and promoting healthy menstrual hygiene practices among women and adolescent girls.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to women’s welfare, the minister said every woman, regardless of her socioeconomic background, should have access to essential health and hygiene facilities.
“Our objective is to ensure that no woman is deprived of basic menstrual hygiene products because of financial constraints. A healthy woman lays the foundation of a healthy family, and healthy families together build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Punjab,” she said.
Dr Baljit Kaur added that the Punjab Government would continue implementing people-centric and women-focused initiatives to protect women’s health and dignity and improve their overall well-being.
She said the government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remained committed to building a more inclusive and empowered Punjab by expanding access to essential welfare services for women across the state.
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