Project Shakti: Telangana Launches Major Sanitary Health Initiative for 60,000 Students

The Telangana government has initiated Project Shakti, a comprehensive public health program aimed at distributing reusable sanitary pads to approximately 60,000 female students across the state. This strategic intervention addresses critical gaps in menstrual hygiene management, which directly impacts educational attendance, health outcomes, and gender equity. Analysis indicates the program's dual focus on supply-chain distribution of sustainable products and parallel educational components on menstrual health literacy. By prioritizing reusable materials, the initiative aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals while ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness. The scale of deployment—targeting a significant student demographic—suggests a structured, state-level commitment to dismantling socio-cultural barriers associated with menstruation. Preliminary assessments project a measurable reduction in school absenteeism and related health complications. Project Shakti represents a model for integrating public health, education, and social welfare policy, with potential replication in other regions facing similar challenges. Continued monitoring of implementation efficacy and student engagement metrics will be essential to validate the program's long-term impact on both individual well-being and systemic educational advancement.