State 08 October 2026
Kerala Govt Launches 'WOMN' Scheme to Boost Menstrual Hygiene and Transit Safety for Women
Why in the News?
The Government of Kerala launched the **WOMN (Women on the Move and Menstrual Needs)** scheme alongside the free **Priyadarshini Bus Travel Scheme** to enhance menstrual hygiene, safety, and accessibility for women and transgender commuters across public transit networks.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Core Features of the WOMN Scheme:
- **Objective:** Improve menstrual hygiene and grant access to affordable, eco-friendly sanitary products during travel.
- **Vending Machines & Pricing:** Installing sanitary napkin vending machines across an initial **14 KSRTC terminals/depots**, dispensing packets of **3 napkins for ₹10**.
- **Eco-Friendly Disposal:** Equipping dedicated incinerators alongside vending machines for hygienic waste management.
- **Implementation Partner:** Executed by the Department of Women and Child Development in partnership with **HLL Lifecare Limited**.
- **Expansion Strategy:** KSRTC plans to scale the initiative across **93 additional depots** and major tourist destinations.
- Complementary Mobility Initiatives in Kerala:
- **Priyadarshini Scheme:** Launched on June 15, 2026, providing completely free ordinary KSRTC bus travel for women of all ages and transgender individuals.
- **Pink Bus Services:** Special women-centric bus services focused on safe night travel for working women, particularly around major tech hubs like Technopark.
Static GK Facts:
- State of Kerala:
- Capital: **Thiruvananthapuram** | Chief Minister: **V. D. Satheesan** | Governor: **Om Prakash Mathur**.
- HLL Lifecare Limited:
- Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) | Headquarters: **Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala**.
- Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Health and Family Welfare**.
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC):
- One of the oldest state-operated public transport entities in India.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which state government launched the 'WOMN' scheme to provide vending machines for sanitary napkins at state transport depots?
A: Kerala
Q: What is the name of Kerala's free bus travel scheme launched for women and transgender individuals on ordinary KSRTC buses?
A: Priyadarshini Scheme
Q: Who are the current Chief Minister and Governor of Kerala?
A: Chief Minister: V. D. Satheesan | Governor: Om Prakash Mathur
Q: Which CPSE collaborated with Kerala's Women and Child Development Department to implement the WOMN initiative?
A: HLL Lifecare Limited
#KeralaGovernment #WOMNScheme #MenstrualHygiene #PriyadarshiniScheme #KSRTC #WomenEmpowerment #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK