On the occasion of Women's Day today, Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has introduced the Asmita Yojana, which will focus on increasing awareness and also provide sanitary pads to women at a reduced cost. The girls studying in Zilla Parishad schools will be getting a sanitary pad packet for Rs 5. Meanwhile, the women living in rural area can avail the sanitary packs for Rs 24 or Rs 29.

The scheme comes in to action after the minister had stated that only 17 percent of young girls use sanitary pads. The minister stated that the cost of pads and awkwardness among the women is the reason behind such low usage. Actor Akshay Kumar congratulated CM Fadnavis on the successful launch of the programme. Kumar last appeared as the protagonist in the movie 'PADMAN' which is based on the real life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham

Women and Child Development Minister, Pankaja Gopinath Munde had informed earlier that the Asmita Yojana will be implemented by women self help groups. Reportedly, this scheme will cost the state exchequer Rs 3 crore approximately, as per a department of women and child development official.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 08, 2018 04:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).