Punjab News: The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a historic step towards the health, dignity and empowerment of women, which has changed millions of lives. ‘Navi Disha’ scheme has today become the identity of self-respect of every daughter and woman of Punjab. This scheme clearly shows that Mann Sarkar does not just make promises but works at the ground level. The government clearly believes that health for women is not an option, but the first necessity! The objective of ‘Navi Disha’ scheme is to give women empowerment and opportunity to live life with dignity. The government understands that menstruation is a natural change, but due to lack of cleanliness, women and adolescent girls became victims of many serious diseases. Through this women-oriented scheme, even today, 9 free sanitary pads are being provided to needy women and girls every month from 27,313 Anganwadi centers in 23 districts of the state.
The scheme is being actively run across Punjab with approximately 13 lakh 65 thousand (13,65,650) beneficiary women and adolescent girls being connected every month. These pads are being delivered door to door by 27,313 Anganwadi workers working day and night, thereby ensuring that no needy woman is deprived of this facility. Mann government’s ‘Navi Disha’ scheme has changed the lives of lakhs of women in villages and cities. Especially the women of the village are very happy with this scheme and are thanking the government wholeheartedly. Gurpreet Kaur of the village says, “Earlier, we did not have money, used old clothes, used to fall ill. Now because of Maan Saheb, pads come home every month, neither shy nor hesitant! Anganwadi Didi comes to every house and provides this facility and takes complete care of us.” This is not just the voice of Gurpreet, but of lakhs of women of Punjab, who are saying today that the Mann government has made their lives easier.
This is not just a government scheme, but a campaign to millions of lives. Till now, more than 3 crore 68 lakh 72 thousand 550 (3,68,72,550) pads have reached the women of Punjab. Distribution of so many pads means that the fear of disease is over in millions of families! The government has so far spent ₹14 crore 4 lakh (₹14.04 crore) on this noble cause, and every rupee is directly invested in the health and self-confidence of women. This investment shows the strong intention of the government. The biggest feature of these sanitary pads is that they are 100% biodegradable. These pads are made from completely biodegradable fabric that decomposes into soil. This way, there is no harm to the environment, nor do women have to fear chemicals. This initiative proves that the government is not only health conscious but also gives priority to environment protection.
‘Navi Disha’ has created a new wave of awareness in the society. Now it is openly talked about in villages and towns that menstruation is not a disease, but a natural process. Cleanliness prevents infection, boosts self-confidence, and keeps women conscious about their health. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann believes that “health is not an option, but a necessity” and this thinking is the foundation of this scheme. The ‘Navi Disha’ scheme proves that the government keeps the health and dignity of women of every section above all.
