Chandigarh, November 9, 2025 — In rural Punjab, where silence often surrounded the subject of menstruation, conversations are now changing. Thanks to the Mann government’s ‘Navi Disha’ initiative, lakhs of women are embracing menstrual hygiene with awareness and dignity.
Every month, 13.65 lakh women and girls receive nine free sanitary pads from Anganwadi workers who go door to door across 27,000 centres. These 100% biodegradable pads are not only safe for health but also for the environment. The government has spent ₹14.04 crore so far, distributing over 3.68 crore pads across all districts.
Anganwadi worker Rajinder Kaur says the scheme has reduced infection cases among women. “We see fewer complaints of itching or rashes. Women talk freely now,” she said.
Officials said the programme’s success lies in its reach and its message — that menstruation is a natural process, not a taboo. With ‘Navi Disha’, Punjab’s villages are witnessing a quiet but powerful change — one that links health, dignity, and awareness to women’s empowerment.
