The Karnataka government has announced a statewide rollout of menstrual cups for school and college students, expanding a successful pilot to cut costs, reduce waste, and ensure uninterrupted access to menstrual hygiene products for young beneficiaries.
In a significant policy shift aimed at sustainability and menstrual health equity, the Karnataka government has decided to expand a pilot scheme that provides menstrual cups to school and college students across the state.
The decision follows positive feedback from selected districts where the initiative was tested, prompting authorities to scale it up as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Under a revised order issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the state will procure and distribute 10,38,912 menstrual cups at a cost exceeding ₹61 crore.
The procurement and distribution process will be handled by the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL), which already manages the supply of several essential health commodities for government programmes.
Officials said the move reflects a long-term approach to menstrual hygiene management, focusing on cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and uninterrupted access for students.
Cost Savings and Sustainability at the Core
One of the key drivers behind the decision is the substantial reduction in recurring expenditure on disposable sanitary napkins. Under the existing Shuchi scheme, Karnataka spent nearly ₹71 crore annually on supplying sanitary pads to students.
With the introduction of menstrual cups-which can last several years if used correctly-the government expects to reduce its annual spending by around ₹10 crore.
Health Department officials noted that while the initial procurement cost of menstrual cups is high, the long-term savings are considerable.
“A menstrual cup is a one-time distribution with long-term benefits. It significantly lowers recurring costs and also reduces the environmental burden caused by disposable menstrual waste,” an official associated with the programme said.
Beyond financial considerations, the government has also highlighted the environmental advantages of the shift. Disposable sanitary napkins contribute to large volumes of non-biodegradable waste, posing disposal challenges for urban and rural local bodies alike.
Menstrual cups, made of medical-grade silicone, are reusable and generate minimal waste, aligning with broader sanitation and waste reduction goals under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Transition Plan and Implementation Strategy
According to the government order, the transition will be gradual to ensure that beneficiaries are not inconvenienced. Sanitary napkins will continue to be distributed for the next three months. From the next academic year onwards, each eligible student will receive one menstrual cup instead of monthly pad supplies.
Officials stressed that the rollout will be accompanied by awareness and capacity-building initiatives. Training sessions, demonstrations, and counselling will be conducted in schools and colleges to help students understand the correct use, cleaning, and storage of menstrual cups.
Health workers and teachers are expected to play a key role in addressing doubts, cultural hesitations, and health-related concerns.
“The pilot showed that acceptance improves significantly when students are properly informed and supported during the initial phase,” a senior Health Department official said, adding that special attention would be given to first-time users.
Addressing School Absenteeism and Access Gaps
The expanded scheme also seeks to address a pressing concern raised in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly—reports of adolescent girls missing school due to the unavailability of sanitary napkins. Supply chain disruptions under the Shuchi scheme had reportedly led to gaps in distribution in some areas, affecting regular attendance among menstruating students.
Lawmakers across party lines flagged the issue during Assembly discussions, urging the government to ensure that menstrual hygiene needs do not become a barrier to education. Officials believe that distributing a reusable product like a menstrual cup can reduce dependence on monthly supplies and prevent such disruptions in the future.
Education and health authorities argue that consistent access to menstrual hygiene products is directly linked to attendance, confidence, and participation of girls in schools and colleges. By ensuring that each beneficiary has a long-lasting solution, the government hopes to create a more reliable support system.
Mixed Reactions and the Need for Choice
While many public health experts and environmental advocates have welcomed the decision, some activists and parents have urged caution, emphasising the importance of informed choice.
They argue that menstrual cups may not be suitable or comfortable for everyone, particularly younger adolescents or those without access to adequate water and sanitation facilities.
Responding to these concerns, officials clarified that the scheme would focus on awareness and consent. “No one will be forced to use a menstrual cup. The objective is to provide an option that is sustainable and effective, while continuing dialogue with students and parents,” an official said.
Experts have also underscored the need for proper monitoring and feedback mechanisms to assess adoption rates, user comfort, and any health-related issues over time.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we see Karnataka’s decision as a forward-looking step that attempts to balance economic prudence, environmental responsibility, and menstrual health dignity.
Moving away from purely disposable solutions towards sustainable alternatives reflects a willingness to rethink public welfare through a long-term lens.
However, the success of this initiative will depend not just on procurement numbers or cost savings, but on empathy-driven implementation-one that respects personal choice, cultural sensitivities, and varied lived realities of young girls and women.
Comprehensive education, open dialogue, and flexibility will be crucial to ensure that menstrual health policies empower rather than alienate beneficiaries.
