Karnataka to supply sanitary napkins & menstrual cups to nearly 20 lakh girl students

Karnataka has approved ₹51.35 crore to procure sanitary napkins and menstrual cups for nearly 19.64 lakh girls in schools, colleges and hostels for 2025-26. An additional ₹10 crore is sanctioned for urgent district-level purchases.

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Dhanya Reddy
Karnataka to supply sanitary napkins & menstrual cups to nearly 20 lakh girl students
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  • ₹51.35 crore approved for sanitary napkins via KSMSCL
  • Nearly 19.64 lakh girls to benefit statewide
  • ₹10 crore sanctioned for urgent district purchases

Government clears large-scale procurement and distribution for 2025-26 to boost menstrual hygiene, reduce school dropouts, and support adolescent health.

The Karnataka government has approved a major menstrual hygiene initiative for the 2025-26 financial year, sanctioning large-scale procurement and distribution of sanitary napkins and menstrual cups for girl students across the State.

As per official orders issued on December 19, 2025, and January 3, 2026, the Health and Family Welfare Department has cleared the purchase of sanitary napkins worth ₹51.35 crore through the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL). These supplies will be distributed to government and aided schools, colleges, and hostels located in both rural and urban areas.

The decision follows an earlier budget allocation of ₹71.83 crore under the scheme, aimed at improving menstrual hygiene, ensuring regular school attendance, and enhancing the overall health and well-being of adolescent girls.

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The programme is expected to benefit nearly 19.64 lakh students studying in Classes 6 to 10 and at the pre-university level. Officials said the initiative has been designed to reduce school absenteeism linked to menstrual health challenges and provide safe, affordable hygiene products to young girls.

In addition to centralised procurement, the State Cabinet has also approved ₹10 crore for district-level purchases to meet urgent and short-term requirements over a three-month period. This step is intended to ensure uninterrupted supply during emergencies and address local demand efficiently.

The Cabinet has granted full administrative and financial approvals for the implementation of the programme, enabling smooth rollout across all districts. Authorities said the distribution will be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and effective utilisation.

Karnataka
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