Chandigarh, November 9, 2025 — More than 13.65 lakh women and adolescent girls across Punjab are receiving free sanitary pads every month under the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s ‘Navi Disha’ scheme, marking a major push for women’s health and menstrual hygiene, officials said.
Launched as part of the government’s larger women’s welfare mission, the scheme operates through 27,313 Anganwadi centres in all 23 districts, ensuring door-to-door distribution by Anganwadi workers. “Earlier we used old clothes and often fell sick. Now pads reach every month — no shame, no worry,” said Gurpreet Kaur, a beneficiary from a village in Moga.
According to official data, more than 3.68 crore sanitary pads — all 100% biodegradable — have been distributed at a cost of ₹14.04 crore. Officials said the aim is not just menstrual hygiene, but also restoring dignity and confidence among women and girls in both rural and urban areas.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government considers “health not an option, but a necessity,” and will continue to strengthen grassroots health delivery systems across the state.
