English
English
English
Punjab launches menstrual health curriculum in government schools (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Punjab government has launched a statewide menstrual health education initiative for adolescent girls studying in government schools, aiming to improve awareness, hygiene education and supportive learning environments across the state.
The programme, announced on Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, will be implemented in more than 3,600 government high and senior secondary schools across all 23 districts of Punjab. Officials said over 3.4 lakh girls from Classes VI to X are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Authorities described it as one of the largest school-based menstrual health education programmes in India.
Assam cabinet set for major expansion; 12 minister to take oath tomorrow
The initiative has been launched in collaboration with WASH United, an international organisation working on menstrual health awareness and education.
Under the programme, schools will conduct structured classroom sessions using a specially developed menstrual hygiene curriculum in Punjabi. The learning model includes storytelling, classroom discussions and interactive activities to make conversations around menstruation more comfortable and accessible for students.
The curriculum revolves around the story of a 10-year-old character named Ruby, whose experiences are used to explain menstruation, body changes, hygiene practices and self-care.
Officials said the sessions are designed not only to improve awareness but also to build confidence, reduce stigma and create supportive peer environments inside schools.
To ensure smooth implementation, the state government trained nearly 7,200 teachers across Punjab before launching the programme. According to officials, around 100 State Resource Persons were first trained as master trainers, following which district-level training sessions were conducted for teachers statewide.
The programme follows a three-session learning model focused on age-appropriate menstrual health education. Teachers involved in the training said the initiative would help create safe classroom spaces where girls can ask questions openly without fear or embarrassment.
The statewide rollout follows a pilot project conducted in more than 100 government schools involving over 45,000 students across Punjab. Government data showed strong positive feedback from both teachers and students. Most teachers reported that the curriculum was easier to deliver and encouraged active participation during classroom sessions.
Students who attended the pilot sessions said the programme helped them understand menstruation better and discuss the topic more confidently with family members and peers.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve adolescent health, girls’ participation in education and inclusive learning in government schools.
