Karnataka clears Rs 51.35 crore for sanitary napkins for schoolgirls

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The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 19.64 lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 10 and at the pre-university level. The government said the programme is designed to promote menstrual hygiene, ensure continued attendance in educational institutions.

Educate Girls, Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025

The government said the programme is designed to promote menstrual hygiene, ensure continued attendance in educational institutions and support the overall health and well-being of adolescent girls. (Representational Image)

Nagarjun Dwarakanath

Bengaluru,UPDATED: Feb 6, 2026 17:07 IST

The Karnataka government has approved the procurement and distribution of sanitary napkins and menstrual cups for girl students across the State for the 2025–26 financial year under the Health and Family Welfare Department, aiming to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce school absenteeism.

According to official orders issued on December 19, 2025, and January 3, 2026, sanitary napkins worth Rs 51.35 crore will be procured through the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL). The supplies will be distributed to government and aided schools, colleges and hostels in both rural and urban areas.

The approval comes against an earlier budget allocation of Rs 71.83 crore under the scheme.

The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 19.64 lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 10 and at the pre-university level. The government said the programme is designed to promote menstrual hygiene, ensure continued attendance in educational institutions and support the overall health and well-being of adolescent girls.

In addition to centralised procurement, the State has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for district-level purchases to address urgent requirements over a three-month period.

The Cabinet has granted all necessary administrative and financial clearances for the implementation of the programme.

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Published By:

Zafar Zaidi

Published On:

Feb 6, 2026

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