Menstrual hygiene status improves in Bihar, Jharkhand
New Delhi, May 25: Around 74 per cent girls in Bihar and 76 per cent in Jharkhand used sanitary pads and cloth now, up from 50 per cent and 46 per cent in these two states respectively after the implementation of the "Paheli ki Saheli" programme, according to sanitary napkin brand 'Stayfree' manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.
The initiative, launched by Johnson & Johnson and supported by UNICEF for the past six years, has brought in a significant change in menstrual hygiene and better disposal practices.
As per "Stayfree", a report by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) 2011-12 states that only 38 per cent menstruating girls in India spoke to their mothers about menstruation while a 2015 survey by the Education Ministry found that in 63 per cent schools in villages, teachers never discussed menstruation and how to deal with it in a hygienic manner.
"We, at Stayfree, have been continuously working towards bringing about a behavioral change with adolescent girls. And our partnership with UNICEF continues to address this reality, through educating young girls. 'Paheli ki Saheli' is our effort in providing education and awareness to enable girls in India not to miss their school," said Dimple Sidhar, Vice President, Marketing, Johnson and Johnson India.
According to the firm, the access to sanitary napkins, information and knowledge on menstrual hygiene showed an immediate impact on school attendance as 97 per cent approved of attending school during menstruation.
Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India said: "It is just not right that adolescent girls feel the need to miss school due to the pain or stain associated with menstruation. The partnership with Stayfree has created robust communication tools which have equipped girls and people in their ecosystem with necessary life skills on managing this issue."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Transport Min. Ramalinga Reddy inaugurates redeveloped parking facility at KBS
Bengaluru: Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated a redeveloped parking facility at Terminal-1 of Kempegowda Bus Station on Thursday, April 16.
The parking area has been developed at a cost of Rs 3.29 crore to facilitate smoother movement of vehicles and improve convenience for staff and passengers.
According to officials, the area adjacent to Terminal-1 near the rest house was earlier filled with potholes and prone to waterlogging during rains, causing inconvenience to commuters and staff.
The issue was brought to the notice of the minister, who visited the site and directed that the development be taken up on priority.
A tender was floated to develop around 2.5 acres of land into a structured parking facility.
According to KSRTC, the facility can accommodate around 100 buses and is equipped with 11 electric light poles. An electrical panel room has also been constructed as part of the project.
Parking space has been allocated for buses belonging to North Western (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporations (KKRTC).
