Khushi Yojana Odisha 2026: Free Sanitary Pads, Eligibility, KHUSI+ and Supreme Court Rules
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If you are looking for the Khushi Yojana Odisha 2026 details, the scheme provides free sanitary napkins to eligible schoolgirls in Odisha. Girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 at government and government-aided schools can receive pads through their schools. No separate online application or registration is required.
The Odisha government introduced Khushi to improve menstrual hygiene, support girls’ school attendance and reduce the financial burden on families. The programme was later expanded under KHUSI+.
There is also an important legal development. In January 2026, the Supreme Court directed all schools in India, including private schools, to provide free menstrual hygiene products and related facilities. A subsequent order in September 2026 changed the required sanitary-pad material standards.
This guide explains the scheme, eligibility, pad distribution, KHUSI+, the latest court directions and what students and parents should know.
This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Government of Odisha.
Khushi Yojana Odisha 2026: Overview
| Scheme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Khushi Yojana Odisha |
| Expanded Programme | KHUSI+ |
| Implementing Department | Health and Family Welfare Department, Odisha |
| Launch Date | 26 February 2018 |
| Cabinet Approval | 22 February 2019 |
| Main Beneficiaries | Girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 |
| Eligible Schools | Government and government-aided schools in Odisha |
| Pad Distribution | Through schools |
| Application Form | Not required |
| Registration Fee | No fee |
| Rural Community Support | Subsidised sanitary napkins through ASHA workers |
| Official Website | khushi.nic.in |
The 2019 Cabinet approval also included Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas located in Odisha. The original programme was designed to benefit approximately 17.25 lakh schoolgirls.
What Is Khushi Yojana Odisha?
Khushi is a menstrual health and hygiene programme launched by the Government of Odisha on 26 February 2018.
The scheme was introduced to address the difficulties faced by adolescent girls during menstruation. Limited access to sanitary products, lack of awareness and social stigma can affect school attendance and participation.
Under Khushi, sanitary napkins are supplied to eligible schoolgirls free of cost. The programme aims to:
- Improve menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls.
- Reduce school absenteeism associated with menstruation.
- Support girls’ education and school retention.
- Reduce the financial burden on families.
- Promote awareness about menstrual health.
The scheme is implemented by the Health and Family Welfare Department, with Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL) involved in procurement and supply-related functions.
Khushi Yojana Eligibility Criteria
The original Khushi school programme is intended for eligible girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools in Odisha.
The programme also includes Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas located in the state, as stated in the 2019 Cabinet approval.
Who can receive free sanitary pads?
A student should:
- Be studying in Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
- Be enrolled in an eligible school in Odisha.
- Receive the products through the school’s distribution system.
The original scheme is based on school enrolment rather than an individual online application.
Are income or Aadhaar documents required?
The official Khushi scheme description does not list an individual online application, Aadhaar upload or registration fee for receiving school-distributed pads.
Students should contact their school if they are asked to submit additional information. Avoid paying any agent who claims to arrange Khushi benefits.
How Many Sanitary Pads Are Provided Under Khushi?
The number of sanitary napkins is an important detail because different websites publish different figures.
According to reports of the Odisha Cabinet’s 22 February 2019 approval, each eligible girl was to receive 18 beltless sanitary napkins per month.
However, this figure should be understood in its proper context. It reflects the approved programme allocation reported at that time. The quantity a student currently receives may depend on supply and distribution arrangements.
If a student is receiving fewer pads than expected, she should ask the school’s headmaster or the designated Khushi contact about the latest allocation.
How to Get Free Sanitary Pads Under Khushi Yojana
There is no separate online application process for the original school-based Khushi programme.
Students can follow these steps:
- Confirm that the student is enrolled in an eligible school and class.
- Ask the class teacher or headmaster about the school’s Khushi distribution arrangements.
- Find out when sanitary napkins are distributed.
- If supplies are unavailable, report the issue to the school administration.
If the problem remains unresolved, families can seek guidance from the relevant local health authorities.
Important: Do not confuse the Khushi school distribution programme with an online registration scheme. The official Khushi portal describes free sanitary napkin distribution to girls in Classes 6 to 12.
Khushi Yojana for Rural Women: Sanitary Pads at ₹6
Khushi also includes a subsidised sanitary napkin initiative for women in rural communities.
According to the scheme information, rural women can obtain a pack of six sanitary napkins for ₹6 through ASHA workers.
This is a subsidised purchase programme, not the same as the free distribution of sanitary napkins to eligible schoolgirls.
Women who want to access the subsidised packs can contact their local ASHA worker to ask about availability.
What Is KHUSI+ in Odisha?
KHUSI+ is an expansion of the original Khushi programme approved by the Odisha Cabinet in February 2024.
The expansion retained the school-based menstrual hygiene initiative and added free belted sanitary napkins for women after institutional delivery and after medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) at government health facilities.
The expanded programme aims to improve menstrual hygiene and support women during specific post-delivery and post-MTP periods.
The Cabinet approval announced an outlay of ₹511.93 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Since this approved funding period has ended, readers should check the official Khushi website or the relevant health facility for current funding and distribution arrangements in 2026-27.
Supreme Court’s January 2026 Order on Free Sanitary Pads in Schools
On 30 January 2026, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India, reported as 2026 INSC 97.
The Court recognised menstrual health as an important aspect of the right to life under Article 21 and the right to education under Article 21A.
The directions apply to schools across India, including government-run and privately managed schools in rural and urban areas.
The Court directed States and Union Territories to ensure:
- Free sanitary napkins are available to girls in schools.
- Menstrual absorbents are readily accessible, preferably through vending machines or a designated place or authority.
- Schools have functional, gender-segregated toilets with usable water.
- Toilets provide privacy and accessibility, including for children with disabilities.
- Functional handwashing facilities with soap and water are available.
- Schools establish Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners.
- Safe and hygienic sanitary-waste disposal arrangements are provided.
- Menstrual health and puberty education are included in school curricula.
- Teachers receive appropriate training and sensitisation.
The Court also directed States and Union Territories to comply with its directions within three months of the judgment.
These directions are separate from Odisha’s original Khushi programme. They establish a wider legal responsibility for schools across India.
September 2026 Supreme Court Update: Sanitary Pad Standards Changed
A further development occurred on 1 September 2026.
In a subsequent order in the same case, the Supreme Court modified its earlier direction concerning the material used in sanitary napkins.
The January judgment had referred to oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins manufactured in compliance with ASTM D-6954 standards.
The September order changed this requirement. The relevant direction is now to be read as requiring:
Biodegradable, biocompatible and compostable sanitary napkins complying with ISO 17088 read with IS 5405 standards.
The Court explained that the material should be safe and effective, while also addressing environmental concerns.
This update is important for schools, authorities and readers checking the latest legal requirements. Older articles may still mention only the January 2026 standards.
Does the Supreme Court order cover private schools?
Yes. The January 2026 judgment applies to government-run and privately managed schools.
However, the Supreme Court’s nationwide directions should not be confused with a claim that every private school in Odisha has already completed implementation.
For the latest school-level arrangements, parents should contact the school administration and check relevant government notices.
Is Khushi Yojana Still Running in 2026?
The official Khushi website continues to describe the programme as providing free sanitary napkins to girls in Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools.
The scheme has also been expanded under KHUSI+.
However, the funding period mentioned in the 2024 Cabinet approval ended in 2025-26. This means the latest funding and supply arrangements should be confirmed through official sources.
The Supreme Court’s directions also apply independently of the original Khushi programme.
For the latest official information, visit:
Khushi Odisha Official Website
Khushi Yojana: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Students and parents should keep the following points in mind:
1. Do not pay an application fee.
The original school-based Khushi programme does not require an individual online registration fee.
2. Do not assume that an online application is necessary.
Eligible schoolgirls receive pads through the school’s distribution system.
3. Do not confuse Khushi with KHUSI+.
KHUSI+ is the expanded programme that includes additional support at government health facilities.
4. Do not rely on outdated Supreme Court information.
The September 2026 order modified the sanitary-pad material standards specified in the January judgment.
5. Do not assume that every school has the same current allocation.
The 18-pad monthly figure comes from the 2019 Cabinet approval. Confirm present distribution with the school.
Related Odisha Government Schemes
Readers looking for other Odisha welfare programmes may also find these guides useful:
- Subhadra Yojana – Information about financial assistance for eligible women.
- Subhadra Yojana 5th Installment – Payment-related information.
- Niramaya Yojana Odisha – Information about free medicines.
- Education and Scholarships – Scholarship and education-related guides.
- Odisha Government Schemes – More state welfare schemes.
- Niramaya Yojana Odisha – Free Medicines, Eligibility, Rules and Complaint Process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khushi Yojana Odisha?
Khushi Yojana is a menstrual hygiene programme launched by the Government of Odisha in 2018 to provide free sanitary napkins to eligible schoolgirls in Classes 6 to 12.
Who is eligible for Khushi Yojana?
Girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 at eligible government and government-aided schools in Odisha are covered by the original school programme.
How can I apply for Khushi Yojana online?
There is no separate online application for the original school-based programme. Eligible students receive sanitary napkins through their schools.
Is Khushi Yojana free?
Yes. Sanitary napkins distributed to eligible schoolgirls under the scheme are provided free of cost.
How many pads are given under Khushi Yojana?
The 2019 Cabinet approval reported 18 beltless sanitary napkins per girl per month. Students should confirm their current school allocation.
What is KHUSI+?
KHUSI+ is the expansion of Khushi approved in February 2024. It adds free belted sanitary napkins for women after institutional delivery and after MTP at government health facilities.
Can rural women get sanitary pads under Khushi?
Yes. The scheme information describes subsidised packs of six sanitary napkins for ₹6 through ASHA workers.
Do private schools have to provide free sanitary pads?
The Supreme Court’s January 2026 judgment directed all government and privately managed schools in India to provide free sanitary napkins and related menstrual hygiene facilities. The material standards were subsequently modified in September 2026.
What should I do if my school does not provide sanitary pads?
First, contact the class teacher or headmaster and ask about the school’s distribution arrangements. If the issue remains unresolved, seek guidance from the relevant local health authorities.
Official Sources
The following sources are useful for verifying scheme details and legal developments:
- Khushi Odisha Official Website (https://khushi.nic.in/)
- MyScheme – Khushi Scheme (https://myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ks)
- Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department (https://health.odisha.gov.in/)
- Supreme Court of India (https://www.sci.gov.in/)
For the January 2026 judgment, refer to Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India, 2026 INSC 97. The September 2026 order in the same matter should also be consulted for the updated sanitary-pad material standards.
Disclaimer
This website is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Odisha. Scheme details, eligibility and distribution arrangements may change. Readers should confirm current information through official government sources before acting.
