In a significant step towards promoting girls’ health and strengthening women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has accorded approval for the procurement of 3 lakh biodegradable sanitary napkins for school girls from Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation, which is supported by the Indian Army and registered under the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM).

The approval, which had been pending for some time due to an increase in cost, was granted following the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor, who noted that procurement of sanitary pads from local manufacturing units would strengthen rural livelihoods in Ladakh.

Notably, 13 lakh sanitary pads (eight per pack) are distributed every month among adolescent girls in the age group of 13 to 18 years. While approval has been granted for procurement of 3 lakh sanitary napkins from the Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation, the remaining 10 lakh sanitary pads will be procured through open tender.

While approving the procurement at revised rates, the Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the organisation’s contribution towards women empowerment, local employment generation, and production of biodegradable sanitary products. The sanitary napkins produced by the organisation are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and environmentally sustainable, leaving no toxic residue in the fragile environment of Ladakh after disposal.

“The proposal regarding procurement of biodegradable sanitary pads had been pending for some time and has now been approved, keeping in view the larger interests of women’s health and empowerment of women-led SHGs. Women’s health and hygiene remain a priority for the UT Administration, and environmental preservation must go hand in hand with development initiatives in Ladakh. Supporting women-led SHGs is essential for creating sustainable rural livelihoods,” said L-G VK Saxena.

The procurement, approved under the National Health Mission (NHM), will be undertaken at a cost of ₹15 lakh, with each biodegradable sanitary pad priced at ₹5 per piece. The total consignment will be supplied over a period of ten months at the rate of 30,000 sanitary pads per month.

The Sakhi Ama Tsogspa BIONAP sanitary napkin production facility at Martselang village in Leh is regarded as a successful model of Army-civil synergy under Operation Sadbhavana, functioning under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army. The facility serves as a sustainable centre for women’s empowerment, livelihood generation, and community development in Ladakh.

The initiative has provided direct employment to 26 women from Martselang and adjoining villages, including eight wives of serving and retired Army personnel.

The Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation comprises three Self-Help Groups made up of local women actively engaged in livelihood generation activities to support their families and strengthen rural economic self-reliance.

The procurement of biodegradable sanitary pads is aligned with the broader vision of ensuring accessible and hygienic menstrual health products for school girls while also promoting eco-friendly alternatives in Ladakh.