In an effort to make sanitation more accessible, safer and at the same time remove the embarrassment during menstrual days among teenage girls, the Karnataka Gadag district is building pink toilets with 32-gram panchayats (GPs) throughout the region. 20 units were completed while 12 are in the advanced completion phase. The cost per unit is Rs.6 lakhs – (Rs. 3 lakhs from MGNREGA, Rs. 1.8 lakhs from SBM-G and Rs. 1.2 lakhs from the 15 Gram Fund Panchayat).
Facility built after successful testing
Such a center began to be built at KH Patil Girls Senior Primary School and after successful testing, it is repeated in other villages. We are equipped with enough water, lights, a changing room and other amenities, a laundry room for girls and young women. is a new program under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G). Each unit has a fire extinguisher used to safely dispose of sanitary pads and menstrual waste.
The development of girls and women
• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is an important part of waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) campaign, which emphasizes the importance of this important topic not only for health and well-being, but also for education and development. of girls and women in the country.
• The Department of Water and Sanitation (DDWS) has issued guidelines to support all girls and young women. Identifies what needs to be done by Provincial governments, district managers, engineers and technical experts in the relevant departments; so do head teachers and teachers.
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen
The program has been well received by girls and women, helping to alleviate embarrassment during their menstrual cycle. The toilets were built in partnership between the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 15th FC and GP funds. The dream of clean cities is being fulfilled through this special initiative.
In Gadag, to ensure the proper use and maintenance of resources, training is provided, at school level, involving School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, teachers, and GP members in the program. It specifically included the use of heaters.
The programs are in the process of training women in the area, using NRLM Self Help Groups to make sanitary pads. In the meantime, awareness programs for school children are under way, messages are being reinforced with wall hangings, brochures, posters being broadcast and posted in public places. Safe messages on sanitation and hygiene are also enhanced through social media and documentation.
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