The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided details on its Menstrual Hygiene Scheme implementation in response to a Rajya Sabha query. Under the National Health Mission, States and Union Territories receive support for Menstrual Hygiene Schemes based on proposals submitted in their Annual Programme Implementation Plans as per regulatory norms.
The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme focuses on promotion of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls through four key components: awareness generation, access to quality and affordable sanitary napkins, safe and environment-friendly disposal methods, and counselling on safe menstrual practices. The Ministry undertakes sustained Information, Education and Communication activities through health facilities, community platforms, frontline health workers, digital dissemination mechanisms, and adolescent-focused programme platforms.
Monitoring under the National Health Mission utilizes a robust, multi-layered framework that includes review of State-wise Key Deliverables against approved targets during NPCC meetings with all States and Union Territories. Additionally, annual Common Review Missions provide independent, on-ground assessments of programme implementation, health system strengthening, and progress on key indicators.
The Ministry implements the Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls in collaboration with concerned line Ministries through coordinated action by States and Union Territories to promote access to safe, effective and affordable menstrual hygiene measures in schools through their respective departments. Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management is recognized as a multidimensional and inter-ministerial issue requiring coordinated action by multiple stakeholder Ministries/Departments and States/Union Territories in accordance with their respective statutory mandates.