Over 35 crore Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Pads have been sold through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana centres across the country in the last three years with the rural uptake increasing from 11-12 per cent to 45 per cent, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday. Overall, the uptake of sanitary pads has climbed to 55 per cent, Mandaviya said during the media briefing on achievements of the government on the front of development of women and children in the last nine years.

Listing the initiatives taken for the welfare of women, he said it was the Modi government which launched the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign that aimed to improve the education among girls as well as the efficiency of welfare service intended for them.

For the security of women, the one nation one helpline was launched and a one-stop centre initiative was also started. While 733 one stop centres have been approved, 703 are operational in the country presently.

These provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress, both in private and public spaces, through a range of services including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and counselling, psychological support and temporary shelter in an integrated manner under one roof.

Speaking about the law against triple talaq, Mandaviya said it was an important step for Muslim women to get freedom from the age-old tradition.

“This freedom means they will no longer have to face this type of divorce and will be able to make full use of their rights. It is a social and legal reform that promotes women empowerment and provides them support in the society. With this type of change, women will feel more independent and will get the freedom to make their own decisions,” he said.

Under the leadership of the prime minister, the government implemented various skill development schemes especially for women.

“We launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers, thereby improving the health and nutrition of the mother and child as well as compensation for wage loss,” he said.

Keeping in view the health of the women in terms of hygiene, Mandaviya said under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), the government has launched Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins at Rs 1 per pad for women to ensure easy availability of the menstrual health services at affordable prices.