CHANDIGARH, MAY 31 — A comprehensive reproductive health and hygiene program has been established across Punjab’s public school network to support female students and reduce classroom absenteeism.
The “Period Friendly Punjab” campaign introduces specialized health education into the regular academic schedule for adolescent girls. The initiative addresses systemic gaps in health awareness by training thousands of state educators to lead sensitive, age-appropriate classroom conversations.
The structural framework utilizes a three-session intervention model focused on hygiene management, self-esteem, and peer support. It operates via localized Punjabi content to remove hesitation and communication barriers among young learners.
“Lack of awareness about menstrual hygiene can create several health-related challenges for adolescent girls,” noted Monika Sood, a teacher from Amritsar. She added that proper guidance helps students “understand their bodies with confidence and dignity.”
The expansion is backed by recent data from a state pilot program showing that 88 percent of teachers found the new storytelling methods more effective than traditional instruction. Furthermore, 80 percent of educators reported active student engagement during the trial runs.
The state education department confirmed that the program includes strict administrative protections to ensure a comfortable learning environment. Lessons are organized to allow students to raise inquiries freely without fear of embarrassment.
The instructional sessions have also encouraged students to extend the conversation beyond the school gates.
“I found the sessions highly engaging and even discussed the entire learning experience with my mother at home,” shared Dimple Rani, a student from Moga.
The rollout is part of a broader ongoing overhaul of the state’s public education infrastructure, which includes enhanced teacher training and improved student welfare metrics.
