Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, emphasizing the need to promptly resume the free sanitary napkin distribution program under the Udan scheme on Menstrual Hygiene Day. Gehlot expressed worry about the prolonged halt of the scheme, citing its adverse effects on the health and dignity of girls and women in Rajasthan. He highlighted that the absence of sanitary napkins often compels many females, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, to resort to unsafe alternatives, posing risks of infections and long-term health issues.
Gehlot reminisced about the launch of the ‘I Am Shakti Udan Scheme’ by the Congress government in 2021 to ensure menstrual hygiene and dignity for women and girls. The initiative provided free sanitary napkins monthly to numerous beneficiaries across Rajasthan. Stressing that menstrual hygiene is crucial for women’s health, dignity, and equality, Gehlot emphasized that no woman should compromise her well-being due to a lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products. He noted that the Udan scheme had significantly supported lakhs of beneficiaries, enhancing awareness and reducing social stigma related to menstruation.
The former Chief Minister urged the state government to comprehensively restart the scheme, adhere to recent Supreme Court directives on menstrual hygiene, and extend its benefits to all women. He also called for extensive awareness campaigns in educational institutions and rural areas to promote menstrual health education. Gehlot underscored the importance of treating menstrual hygiene as a public health priority, urging the government to act promptly and sensitively to ensure every woman and girl in Rajasthan has access to safe and hygienic menstrual care.
