Kerala education minister calls for 'comprehensive education'
Kerala Education minister Prof C Raveedranath today called for ''comprehensive education'' that goes beyond just building professionally competent students.

He was speaking after launching HLL Lifecare Ltd''s ''Manasa Plus'' as part of eight innovative projects that the Kerala government is set to introduce in the education sector.

Under the Manasa Plus project, Central Government-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd (HLL) is partnering with Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat to install sanitary napkin vending machines VENDIGO and napkin incinerators in 150 government and aided schools in Thiruvananthapuram district.

"Education should touch on every aspect of human life so that we help children build a positive aspect of society and have empathy for others," the minister said.

The newly-installed VENDIGO machines will enable girl students access sanitary napkins at their schools at the touch of a button.

The machine dispenses ''Happy Days'' sanitary napkins, manufactured by HLL at its Kanagala factory in Belgaum.

Additionally, napkin incinerators will enable safe and environment-friendly disposal of used napkins.

District Panchayat President V K Madhu said VENDIGO machines and incinerators would be installed at polytechnics and teacher training colleges in the district.

HLL Managing Director Babu Thomas said the company has installed 4,500 vending machines and 2,500 incinerators across the country.