An awareness programme on menstrual hygiene and distribution of sanitary pad under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was organised by Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Person with Disabilities Welfare Development Department at Namthang Block Administrative Centre (BAC)

Namchi, January 31 (IPR): An awareness programme on menstrual hygiene and distribution of sanitary pad under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was organised by Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Person with Disabilities Welfare Development Department at Namthang Block Administrative Centre (BAC), today.
The program had the presence of Mr Praveen Gautam SDM Namthang, as a chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr Laxman Tamang CDPO, Namchi, Ms Sophia Lepcha Nodal Officer BBBP cum AD Nutrition, Mr J B Rai Community Health Officer, Mr Mahendra Timsina Deputy Director BAC, Namthang, Ms Jerelina Lepcha Supervisor BAC Namthang, Ms Sangita Gurung Centre Admin, One Stop Centre, along with member of HUB, Anganwadi, ICDs and adolescent girl children.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” the Namchi District has, for the first time, publicised the 24-hour Child Helpline number 1098 and the Women Helpline number 181 under the Namthang sub-division.
Mr. Praveen Gautam SDM Namthang, commended the department for its various initiatives and programs implemented over the past decade as part of the BBBP campaign. Following his remarks, he distributed sanitary pads to the adolescent girls in attendance at the event.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining menstrual health. He urged women to incorporate iron-rich foods into their diets to offset the blood loss experienced during menstruation. Additionally, he recommended the inclusion of fruits, nuts, and seeds to enhance overall energy and immunity.
Moreover, he encouraged all participants to engage in the Sensitization program to raise awareness among their families and friends, promoting healthier lifestyles. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Anganwadi workers in conducting door-to-door public awareness initiatives.
Mr Laxman Tamang CDPO, Namchi in his speech talked about the vital objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, which aims to protect and educate the girl child, focusing on improving their health, nutrition, and safety.
Additionally he added that BBBP was introduced to combat gender based discrimination, improve the declining sex ratio, and ensure the safety and education of girls child.
Futhermore, he emphasised the need for a balanced diet, proper healthcare, and quality education for girls. Further he also talked about the critical role of physical and emotional health in the development of a girl child.
Mr J B Rai CHO, in his addresses, emphasised the significance of personal health and hygiene awareness during the teenage years. He highlighted the necessity for women and girls to implement appropriate menstrual hygiene practices to protect their health and well-being, noting that neglecting this issue could lead to long-term, concealed, and potentially serious health problems for women in the future.
Furthermore, he discussed the sensitization program conducted for teenage girls in observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, which takes place on May 28.
Ms Sangita Gurung Centre Admin, One Stop Centre Jorethang, addressed the children to enlighten them about the establishment of the One Stop Center (OSC) in 2017 under the Women and Child Development Department, to provide 24-hour support to women, including police assistance, medical care, a five-day emergency shelter, psychosocial counselling, and legal aid.
In her address, she also discussed the issues of teenage pregnancy and underage marriages, emphasising that even if a marriage occurs with the woman’s consent, if she is under 18 years of age, the husband will face legal consequences.
Moreover, she urged everyone to utilise the emergency helpline numbers, highlighting that these services not only provide immediate assistance but also inform the public about various government schemes aimed at empowering women and other valuable resources.