I know some NGOs that work on providing sanitary napkins to government school girls in some areas. But I think this is the first time that a state government is coming forward on this issue, with the Chief Minister announcing the scheme and extending help to the poor and needy girl children in this issue.
AP Government's new scheme "Swechcha '' is not less than any of the navarathna schemes that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy introduced. This proves to be the tenth gem. Around 10 lakh girl children in the state of Andhra Pradesh are going to be benefitted by this scheme. Each girl will be given 10 branded sanitary napkins per month. All it costs is a budget of Rs 32 Cr per annum as per the Chief Minister.
The girls that live in villages face several problems as it is a taboo to talk about the menstrual cycle openly. As they cannot afford to buy branded sanitary napkins, follow alternate methods like using old cloth folded multiple times. Such practices are not hygienic and also lead to other serious ailments.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy openly addressing this issue calling the girls as "chitti thallulu" makes him a fatherly figure. One should have the heart to understand the needs of girls and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy proved that he has it in him.
Generally, the activities of this kind will be delegated to the health ministry and some women officers address the issue. But the Chief Minister broke the taboo and opened up on this.
On behalf of all the girl children who are going to be benefitted by the "Swechcha" scheme, every woman should thank Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Usha Chowdhary
