As part of a broader eco-restoration strategy, Finance Minister KN Balagopal will launch a nationwide initiative to distribute menstrual cups and incinerators to institutions identified by the Haritha Keralam Mission. This initiative aims to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene products and promote health awareness.
The event on Tuesday (January 20) will be held at Muttara Government HS & VHSS in Veliyam and district panchayat president R. Lathadevi will preside over the function. By providing eco-friendly alternatives such as menstrual cups and scientific disposal systems such as incinerators to selected institutions, the mission aims to integrate environmental sustainability with menstrual health.
The project is implemented in cooperation with HLL Lifecare using funds allocated in the 2025-26 state budget. In order to ensure the scientific disposal of used sanitary napkins, incinerators will be installed in 322 places, specifically in schools and colleges with a high population of female students. Based on a survey conducted by the Haritha Keralam Mission, the project will distribute 1.69 lakh menstrual cups among selected schools, colleges and Kudumbashree neighborhood groups.
The first phase of the initiative includes five higher secondary schools per district, all colleges and Kudumbashree groups under 152 local self-governing institutions that have adopted the ‘Net Zero Carbon Kerala through People’ campaign. In addition to distribution, the project aims to establish adequate menstrual hygiene facilities in educational institutions and provide ecological menstrual hygiene products. Specialized courses and workshops are also organized to support the beneficiaries.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 19:54 IST