Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, demanding the immediate resumption of free sanitary napkin distribution under the Udaan Yojana in the state.
Gehlot's letter highlights menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right
In his letter, Gehlot emphasized that menstrual hygiene is not merely a health issue but a fundamental right intrinsically linked to women's education, dignity, and social participation. He pointed out that the lack of access to hygienic sanitary products forces women and adolescent girls to resort to unsafe alternatives, thereby increasing the risk of infections and serious health complications.
Social and educational impact of poor menstrual hygiene
Gehlot highlighted the broader social consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene management. He claimed that many adolescent girls remain absent from school or eventually drop out due to stigma and the absence of proper sanitary facilities, which adversely affects their education and future economic productivity.
Supreme Court recognition and previous scheme
Referring to legal developments, Gehlot noted that the Supreme Court, on January 30, 2025, recognized the right to menstrual hygiene as an integral part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21. He recalled that during the previous Congress government, the 'I Am Shakti Udaan Yojana' provided 12 free sanitary napkins every month to women aged between 10 and 45 years.
Allegations against the current BJP government
Gehlot alleged that although the present BJP government renamed the scheme as the 'Kalibai Bheel Udaan Yojana', the purchase and distribution of sanitary napkins have been halted since October 2024. He termed this discontinuation an injustice to women's health and called for its immediate revival.
