In a creative move to tackle two critical issues simultaneously, the Panchayat Raj department in Varanasi has introduced a novel scheme that rewards women with sanitary pads for collecting plastic waste from their homes. Launched on Friday under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), this initiative aims to promote both environmental cleanliness and menstrual hygiene in the district's villages.
A Dual-Purpose Launch in Kadipur
The unique drive was formally inaugurated at a program held at Gram Panchayat Kadipur, located in the Kashi Vidyapeeth development block. Deputy Director Panchayat of the Varanasi division, Jitendra Kumar Mishra, kicked off the campaign by distributing sanitary pads to 118 women. These participants had collectively deposited an impressive 238 kilograms of plastic waste, showcasing immediate community engagement.
Under the scheme's simple yet effective model, every woman who brings two kilograms of plastic waste from her household receives one packet of sanitary pads. This direct exchange is designed to incentivize participation and address two pressing needs at once.
Tackling Plastic and Promoting Health
Jitendra Kumar Mishra explained that the initiative has a clear two-fold objective. First, it seeks to significantly reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. He highlighted the severe problems caused by plastic, noting that disposing of household waste in plastic bags complicates segregation, raises processing costs, and endangers animals, especially cows. Furthermore, plastic waste contaminates ponds, degrades soil quality, and blocks drainage systems.
The second, equally vital goal is to encourage healthy and hygienic practices among rural women and adolescent girls by improving access to sanitary products. Mishra emphasized that the scheme operates under the resonant tagline: ‘No plastic in waste, no waste in plastic'.
Collaboration for Wider Impact
To ensure the program's success and reach, the Panchayat Raj department has partnered with two local organizations: the Vindhyavasini Foundation Trust and the Ideal Women Welfare Society. These groups were already involved in distributing sanitary pads to women, and their expertise and networks are being leveraged to amplify the new campaign's impact.
The initiative is integrated into the broader solid and liquid waste management work being carried out in gram panchayats through Resource Recovery Centres (RRCs). Villagers are being urged to start collecting used plastic separately at home so it can be sent to dedicated waste management units for scientific disposal.
The launch event saw the presence of key officials and community leaders, including Assistant District Panchayat Officer Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Vindhyavasini Foundation Trust chairman N P Singh, and Ideal Women Welfare Society president Beena Singh. The program was conducted by Divisional Coordinator for Swachh Bharat Mission, Anil Keshari.
With the successful launch in Kadipur, the department plans to extend this drive to all gram panchayats in Varanasi district. The overarching ambition is clear: to foster widespread behavioral change that leads to plastic-free villages while simultaneously supporting women's health and dignity.
