Kathmandu, September 28

The government is all set to provide sanitary pads to girl students of community schools free of cost throughout the country.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the government will start free distribution of sanitary pads after a special programme on October 18.

The OPMCM has given the responsibility of ensuring quality and standard of sanitary pads to the Ministry of Health and Population.  Similarly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will create a fund pool and appeal to business enterprises and organisations to deposit money in the fund as part of their social responsibility.

According to the September 15 decision of the OPMCM posted on the official website of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the MoEST has also been told to call on various development partners and national and international non-governmental organisations to deposit cash in the fund so as to manage budget for procurement and distribution of sanitary pads. The MoEST in association with the local levels and district-based education development and coordination units ascertain the number of girl students studying in community schools and quantity of sanitary pads required.

Likewise, the MoHP will coordinate with the MoFAGA, local levels and EDCUs to provide training to various stakeholders on safe disposal of used sanitary pads. The government has also decided to develop a procedure for distribution of sanitary pads in an effective manner.

According to the OPMCM, the concerned local levels will lead the distribution of sanitary pads to girl students. Monitoring of distribution will be carried out by the Ministry of Social Development of the province.

This scheme is expected to increase the attendance rate of girl students in schools. Most girl students remain absent from school during their menstruation cycle.