Sanitary Pad Supply Scheme supports women and adolescent girls in Jharkhand by improving menstrual health through the periodic distribution of free sanitary pads. This scheme, managed by the Women, Child Development & Social Security Department, gives eligible women between 20 and 40 years of age essential hygiene products every quarter through local Anganwadi centers.
In 2026 the scheme continues to run across the state, and eligible women can register at their nearest Anganwadi center to receive free pads on a regular basis. Registration and distribution are handled at the local level, so women do not need to travel far or fill long online forms.
Sanitary Pad Supply Scheme - Introduction
Sanitary Pad Supply Scheme is a state-level scheme by the Women, Child Development & Social Security Department, Government of Jharkhand. It is made to encourage better hygiene practices and raise health awareness among women and adolescent girls. By giving free sanitary pads to women aged 20 to 40 years through Anganwadi centers, the scheme helps girls and women keep safe and healthy menstrual cycles and lowers the risk of infections.
The scheme works on a simple idea: every eligible woman should have access to clean and safe hygiene products without having to pay for them. Because the pads are given free, women from poor families do not have to choose between buying pads and meeting other household needs.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sanitary Pad Supply Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Jharkhand |
| Nodal Department | Women, Child Development & Social Security Department |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
Benefits
Under this scheme, eligible women get free hygiene supplies to support their well-being. The pads are distributed in fixed quantities every quarter, and the total supply is enough to cover the needs of a woman during that period.
| Benefit Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 3 packs per quarter |
| Pads per pack | 6 pads |
| Total Supply | 18 pads every quarter |
Eligibility
To get this support, a woman should meet the following criteria:
- She should be a permanent resident of Jharkhand.
- She should identify as a woman.
- Her age should be between 20 and 40 years.
- She should not fall into the excluded categories listed below. For example, if Sunita is a government employee, she would not be eligible.
Some women are not covered under this scheme even if they live in Jharkhand. These include women holding a permanent post in central or state government or a public sector enterprise, retired government employees or those receiving a pension, and women who are income tax payers.
Application Process
The process is simple and is handled at the local level. There is no need to apply online, and women can complete everything through their local Anganwadi center.
STEP 1 - Visit your local Anganwadi center to register. Carry a government-approved identification document and submit a self-declaration form to confirm your eligibility.
STEP 2 - Anganwadi workers will check your details. If you do not have an Aadhaar card, they will accept other valid IDs for the time being and help you apply for an Aadhaar card.
STEP 3 - Once registered, you will receive your sanitary pads during the quarterly Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND) programs.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready when you go to the Anganwadi center for registration:
- Aadhaar card.
- Any valid government-approved ID such as a PAN card, Ration card, or Voter ID card.
- A self-declaration form.
References
FAQ's
Who can avail of this scheme?
Women between 20 and 40 years of age who reside in Jharkhand can join this scheme.
Are sanitary pads provided free of cost?
Yes, the government provides these pads completely free to eligible women.
How often are the sanitary pads distributed?
The distribution happens on a quarterly basis through your local Anganwadi center.
What if I do not have an Aadhaar card?
You can use other valid IDs for the time being, and your Anganwadi worker will help you get an Aadhaar card.
Who supervises the distribution process?
The distribution is managed by your local Anganwadi workers during the VHSND programs.
Can women above 40 years apply?
No, this scheme is made for women in the 20 to 40 age bracket.
What is the benefit cost per person?
The estimated value of the support provided is about ₹54 per beneficiary for each quarter.
What if I miss the quarterly distribution?
Contact your nearest Anganwadi center as soon as possible to check for alternative distribution arrangements.
What documents are required for registration?
You should provide your Aadhaar card or other approved IDs like your PAN card, Ration card, or Voter ID card.
Where can I register for the scheme?
You can complete your registration at your local Anganwadi center.