HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 21: NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati launched a significant CSR initiative in collaboration with Project Baala, focusing on providing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions to women in rural Kokrajhar on Sunday.
The project aims to directly impact 2,500 beneficiaries through workshops and menstrual hygiene kit distribution across Kokrajhar, including its border areas. By distributing reusable pads, the project will prevent the use of approximately 900,000 disposable pads over two years, reducing plastic waste and minimising environmental harm.
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The initiative aims to foster positive behaviour change through awareness workshops and sustainable practices, ensuring improved menstrual health and hygiene across the district.
The flag-off event was led by Akhilesh Singh, CGM, NTPC Bongaigaon, in the presence of Asutosh Biswas, GM (Operations), and Onkar Nath, AGM (HR), with the active support of Sangeeta Singh, president, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club (BSLC). Soumya Kar, vice president, BSLC, Jhumita Biswas, senior member, BSLC, and other BSLC members, along with representatives from NTPC’s HR department, were also present on the occasion.
From Project Baala, the event saw participation from Aradhana Rai Gupta, co-founder; Shiwani Agarwal, implementation lead; Rotna Soren, project associate; and Subhojit Bakshi, Founders’ Office. Bichitra Birjya Narzary, district program manager, ASRLM Kokrajhar, and female representatives from eight Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) also took part in the launch.
A session on the importance and usage of eco-friendly sanitary napkins was conducted, followed by the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to all participants.
This initiative reflects Project Baala’s holistic approach by providing sustainable menstrual absorbents, raising awareness, and creating livelihood opportunities. The reusable cloth pads distributed are designed to last up to two years, ensuring comfort, safety, and environmental benefits. Through awareness workshops, women are empowered with essential knowledge to encourage positive behaviour change. Additionally, the program supports entrepreneurship by training local women as Menstrual Hygiene Champions (MHCs) to lead awareness efforts and distribute pads within their communities, promoting long-term sustainability.
Addressing key challenges related to menstrual health in rural areas, Sangeeta Singh stated that the project seeks to bridge the educational gap, as only 27.54 percent of women in Kokrajhar have completed ten years of schooling, despite 72 percent of girls aged 15-24 using safe period products. By ensuring that young girls receive information about menstruation before their first cycle, the initiative aims to empower them early. It also tackles the environmental challenges posed by disposable sanitary pads, which contribute to significant plastic waste.
This program aligns with nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. It also supports CSR activities under Schedule VII, focusing on healthcare, sanitation, education, gender equality, and livelihood enhancement. The project’s design ensures long-term impact by collaborating with ASRLM and eight CLFs from the Hatidhura, Kachugaon, Dotma, and Kokrajhar blocks, promoting sustainability through local entrepreneurship.
The initiative offers a substantial social return on investment (SROI), generating Rs 10.43 in social value for every Rs 1 invested, with benefits including improved health, reduced waste, and financial savings. Beneficiaries are expected to save Rs 48,00,000 over two years by reducing their dependence on disposable products. Through this initiative, NTPC Bongaigaon reinforces its commitment to empowering communities, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the quality of life through impactful CSR efforts.
