TAHDCO to give hygiene kits to 20K college students

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) will distribute personal hygiene kits to around 20,000 college students living in govt-run hostels across the state next week, aiming to improve access to essential hygiene products.
Currently, students receive 150 a month for daily essentials, but TAHDCO Director K S Kandasamy noted that many students have complained about the amount being too little and often delayed."Students say the allowance is sent to wardens and distributed in bulk, maybe once or twice a year. Meanwhile, prices of essentials have risen," he explained.
From next week, students will receive kits containing 500gm of detergent powder, 200ml of shampoo, four soap bars, 400ml of hair oil, 100ml of toothpaste, and a toothbrush. "We will distribute these kits quarterly and adjust production based on feedback," Kandasamy added.
The products, prepared by women self-help groups, are undergoing quality testing and will be packed for distribution next week. State project coordinator Vasanthi Kumaresan said, "This will provide students access to essential products while enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of women producing these kits." The govt will also assist women in getting bank loans to start businesses.
TAHDCO has invested 2 crore to set up machinery and resources for women to produce the products. "The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is certifying the products, and lab testing is underway," Kumaresan said. "We expect to have all necessary certificates by Monday and begin distribution immediately after."
If successful, TAHDCO plans to expand the initiative to more hostels, including those for school students and working women.