Ladakh to Provide 13 Lakh Sanitary Napkins to Adolescent Girls Every Month
Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation, supported by the Indian Army and registered under the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM), represents a growing model of women-driven rural enterprise in the region, officials in Leh said on Tuesday
SRINAGAR: In a major stride toward improving menstrual health for adolescent girls and strengthening women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved the procurement of 3 lakh biodegradable sanitary napkins from the Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation.
The organisation, supported by the Indian Army and registered under the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM), represents a growing model of women-driven rural enterprise in the region, officials in Leh said on Tuesday. This approval had been pending due to a recent increase in production costs.
However, following the L-G’s intervention, the decision was expedited, recognising that sourcing sanitary pads from local units not only supports girls’ health but also strengthens rural livelihoods. Ladakh distributes 13 lakh sanitary pads every month—eight pads per pack—to adolescent girls aged 13 to 18. Of this monthly requirement, 3 lakh pads will now be sourced from Sakhi Zamo, while the remaining 10 lakh will be procured through open tender.
While granting approval at the revised rates, the Lt. Governor highlighted the organisation’s contribution to women’s empowerment, employment generation, and the production of eco-friendly menstrual products. The sanitary napkins manufactured by the group are fully biodegradable and leave no toxic residue—an important consideration for Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, an official statement said.
Sinha emphasised that the long-pending proposal was cleared keeping in mind the broader goals of women’s health, menstrual hygiene, and the empowerment of women-led SHGs. He reiterated that development in Ladakh must align with environmental preservation, and supporting local women’s groups is essential for building sustainable rural livelihoods.
The procurement, sanctioned under the National Health Mission (NHM), will cost ₹15 lakh, with each biodegradable pad priced at ₹5 per piece. Supplies will be delivered over ten months, at a rate of 30,000 pads per month.
“The Sakhi Ama Tsogspa BIONAP production facility at Martselang village in Leh stands as a successful example of Army–civil collaboration under Operation Sadbhavana, led by the Fire and Fury Corps,” the statement said. It added that the centre has emerged as a hub for women’s empowerment, livelihood creation, and community development for it currently provides direct employment to 26 women from Martselang and nearby villages, including eight spouses of serving and retired Army personnel.
The Sakhi Zamo Village Organisation itself comprises three SHGs, all run by local women who are actively engaged in income-generating activities to support their families and strengthen the rural economy.
“This procurement initiative aligns with Ladakh’s broader vision of ensuring accessible, hygienic, and environmentally sustainable menstrual health products for school girls, while simultaneously promoting eco-friendly alternatives and supporting women-led enterprises across the region,” the statement said.
