Srinagar, Aug 04: Around 74.4 per cent of women and girls aged 15-24 years in Jammu and Kashmir use hygienic methods of menstrual protection, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The figures, based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), were shared by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in a written reply to an unstarred question seeking details of menstrual hygiene indicators among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) women and girls.
The data reveals a significant social divide in Jammu and Kashmir. While 76.1 per cent of women aged 15-24 years belonging to the Scheduled Caste community reported using hygienic menstrual protection methods, the corresponding figure for the Scheduled Tribe population stood at 51 per cent, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in tribal areas.
The NFHS-5 data also indicates that the Union Territory has recorded an improvement over the previous survey, with the proportion of young women using hygienic menstrual protection methods rising from 67 per cent in NFHS-4 to 74.4 per cent in NFHS-5. However, the survey points to a rural-urban disparity, with about 71 per cent of rural women using hygienic methods compared to 86 per cent in urban areas.
Despite the overall progress, the survey shows that many women continue to rely on traditional menstrual protection methods. Around 58.3 per cent reported using cloth during menstruation, 50.5 per cent used sanitary napkins, 23.1 per cent used locally prepared napkins, while 3.3 per cent reported using tampons. Since respondents could report multiple methods, the percentages exceed 100.
The Centre informed Parliament that while the National Family Health Survey compiles State and Union Territory-wise data on the use of hygienic menstrual protection methods, information relating to access to clean water, sanitation facilities and other allied indicators is maintained by the respective ministries concerned.
At the national level, the latest figures indicate that 79.2 per cent of women aged 15-24 years use hygienic methods of menstrual protection, reflecting continued improvement over previous survey rounds. Earlier NFHS data had shown an increase from 57.6 per cent in NFHS-4 to 77.3 per cent in NFHS-5 across the country.
The Ministry further informed the House that menstrual hygiene is being promoted under the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) of the National Health Mission (NHM), implemented in collaboration with States and Union Territories. The scheme focuses on improving awareness, ensuring access to affordable sanitary napkins through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and promoting safe and environmentally sustainable disposal of menstrual waste.
