Khushi Scheme

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha had introduced a scheme named "Khushi" which aims to provide Free sanitary napkins to all girls in Government and aided schools from class 6th to 12th. Khushi (meaning "Happiness" in Odia) is a female health and hygiene program run by the Government of Odisha to provide free sanitary pads to girl students in Odisha. Khushi scheme of Odisha aims to provide good menstrual hygiene care to women of the state. The initiative aims to promote health and hygiene among school-going adolescent girls leading to higher retention in school and greater empowerment of women. The scheme provides free sanitary pads to girls in government and government-aided schools and also offers subsidized sanitary napkins to rural women. The scheme's goals include reducing the dropout rate among girls, improving academic performance, and empowering women. The Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited is the implementing agency of this scheme. Objectives 1. Promote Menstrual Hygiene: The scheme seeks to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and provide access to sanitary products. 1. Reduce School Dropout Rates: By ensuring that girls have access to menstrual hygiene products, the scheme aims to reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates among adolescent girls. 1. Economic Empowerment: The scheme also has elements designed to economically empower women and girls through the promotion of local production and distribution of sanitary products.