Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Girl students enrolled in government-aided schools across Goa will be provided sanitary napkins free of cost under a new directive issued by the Directorate of Education.
Director of Education Bhagirath Shetye has instructed aided primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools to immediately procure sanitary napkins from the nearest Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra, where each pad is priced at Re 1.
Schools have been directed to calculate their requirements based on the number of eligible girl students. The prescribed estimate is two sanitary napkins per day for five days every month, with the annual requirement calculated over 12 months.
The procurement expenses can be claimed from the respective Educational Zones, ensuring that schools do not have to bear the cost permanently.
Institutions must maintain a consumables register recording the quantity of sanitary napkins purchased, distributed to students and available in stock. School authorities have also been asked to ensure uninterrupted availability of supplies.
Emphasising the need for sensitivity, the Directorate has directed schools to protect students from discrimination or embarrassment while accessing sanitary products. Suitable storage facilities and hygienic disposal arrangements must also be put in place in accordance with applicable waste-management rules.
School heads will be responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the initiative.
