KS

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha had introduced a scheme named "Khushi" which aims to provide Free sanitary napkins to all girls in Government and aided schools from class 6th to 12th.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha had introduced a scheme named "Khushi" which aims to provide Free sanitary napkins to all girls in Government and aided schools from class 6th to 12th. Khushi (meaning "Happiness" in Odia) is a female health and hygiene program run by the Government of Odisha to provide free sanitary pads to girl students in Odisha. Khushi scheme of Odisha aims to provide good menstrual hygiene care to women of the state. The initiative aims to promote health and hygiene among school-going adolescent girls leading to higher retention in school and greater empowerment of women. The scheme provides free sanitary pads to girls in government and government-aided schools and also offers subsidized sanitary napkins to rural women. The scheme's goals include reducing the dropout rate among girls, improving academic performance, and empowering women. The Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited is the implementing agency of this scheme.

Objectives

• Promote Menstrual Hygiene: The scheme seeks to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and provide access to sanitary products. 1. Reduce School Dropout Rates: By ensuring that girls have access to menstrual hygiene products, the scheme aims to reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates among adolescent girls. 1. Economic Empowerment: The scheme also has elements designed to economically empower women and girls through the promotion of local production and distribution of sanitary products.

• The applicant must be a resident of Odisha.
• All school girls from classes 6th to 12th are eligible.

The Khushi Scheme offers several key benefits aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and overall well-being for women and girls in the state.

• Free or Subsidized Napkins: The scheme provides free or affordable sanitary napkins to women and girls, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to such products is limited.
• Education and Awareness: Through educational campaigns, the scheme raises awareness about menstrual hygiene practices, helping women and girls maintain better health and hygiene.
• Support for Adolescent Girls: By providing sanitary products and creating awareness, the scheme helps reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates among adolescent girls, ensuring they stay in school and continue their education.
• Employment: The scheme often includes components that support the local production of sanitary napkins, which create employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
• Prevention of Health Issues: By promoting the use of sanitary products and proper menstrual hygiene practices, the scheme helps in preventing health issues related to menstruation, such as infections and rashes.