Patna: In a move aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and women’s well-being, the Bihar government has announced that sanitary pad vending machines will be installed in all 38 government-run women’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. The decision was made public on World Menstrual Hygiene Day by the Labor Resources Department.
The initiative, introduced under the guidance of the state’s Labour Resources Minister and the department’s secretary, seeks to ensure that girl students and women personnel in these institutes have easy access to menstrual hygiene products. The machines are intended to offer comfort and support during menstruation, helping students stay focused on their education without unnecessary disruptions.
Sunil Kumar Yadav, Director of Planning and Training in the department, has instructed all women’s ITIs to implement the installation of the machines. He emphasised that the step marks significant progress in promoting health, hygiene, and women’s empowerment. “This will not only provide physical ease to female students, but also foster awareness and help dismantle taboos surrounding menstruation,” he said.
The department has also launched other welfare measures for women in recent years. Earlier this year, a crèche was set up at Niyojan Bhawan in Patna in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Corporation, providing childcare support to working mothers.
