Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has announced a major change in its menstrual hygiene programme for girls studying in government schools and colleges. From the next academic year, menstrual cups will replace disposable sanitary napkins as part of the state’s effort to provide sustainable and long term menstrual health solutions.
The decision follows concerns over irregular supply of sanitary napkins and rising costs under the existing programme.
The Health and Family Welfare Department issued a revised government order on January 5, 2026, expanding the use of menstrual cups across the state. The rollout will cover more than 10.3 lakh beneficiaries studying in government institutions.
The Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited will procure 10,38,912 menstrual cups at an estimated cost of over 61 crore rupees under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan framework. For the remaining three months of the current academic year, sanitary napkins will continue to be distributed. From the next academic year onwards, each eligible student will receive one menstrual cup instead of repeated napkin supplies.
Until now, Karnataka provided free sanitary napkins through the Shuchi scheme. The state spent close to 71 crore rupees every year to distribute more than 2.35 crore disposable napkins. Officials estimate that switching to reusable menstrual cups could save nearly 10 crore rupees annually.
The policy change also follows reports that many adolescent girls were missing school due to shortages in sanitary napkin supplies. The issue was raised during the Karnataka Assembly winter session in Belagavi in December 2025.
Health Minister Gundu Rao acknowledged the problem on the floor of the House and assured that corrective measures would be taken. Officials later confirmed that ensuring consistent menstrual hygiene access was a key reason behind the decision to introduce menstrual cups statewide.
Reusable menstrual cups significantly reduce menstrual waste since one cup can replace thousands of disposable pads and tampons over several years
Lower plastic usage helps cut down landfill burden and prevents long term environmental pollution
Reduced demand for single use products decreases resource consumption linked to manufacturing and packaging
Made from medical grade silicone, menstrual cups are chemical free and gentler on the body while maintaining natural vaginal balance
Higher capacity allows up to 12 hours of protection, reducing frequent changes and improving comfort during daily activities
References:
1. Coherent Market Insights. 2025. Environmental Benefits of Using Menstrual Cups. CoherentMarketInsights.com. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/blog/environmental-benefits-of-using-menstrual-cups-1735
2. Ruby Cup. “10 Menstrual Cup Benefits That Will Make You Want to Switch.” RubyCup.com. March 18, 2022. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://rubycup.com/blogs/news/menstrual-cup-benefits-pros-cons?srsltid=AfmBOoowRjeHJATIPZ83di_9S8FT8rtHo7chSBi-QfayI9f7XP1Z3L6c
(Rh/ARC)
