Supreme Court directs the Centre to address menstrual hygiene gaps in schools, ensure accurate data, and facilities, and implement effective policies.
New Delhi, Digital Desk || The Supreme Court of India has directed the central government to evaluate the ground realities of menstrual hygiene in schools before implementing the National Policy on Menstrual Hygiene for School-Going Girls. The directive comes in response to a plea highlighting serious gaps in the existing policy and its implementation.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati to address the petitioner’s concerns and clarify the government’s position by December 3. The policy aims to improve menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls but has been criticized for relying on inaccurate data and inadequate assessment of on-ground conditions.
Social activist Jaya Thakur, the petitioner, highlighted inconsistencies in government data, citing an unrealistic 129% total for menstrual product usage. During a visit to the Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh, she observed poor conditions, including a lack of cleaning staff, inadequate sanitation facilities, and no provision for sanitary pads in middle schools.
The plea urges the government to provide free sanitary pads, construct separate toilets for girls, appoint cleaners, and implement a three-stage awareness program on menstrual health. It also emphasizes accurate data collection to ensure effective policy rollout.
The petitioner argued that menstrual hygiene is essential to the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. Poor menstrual hygiene management, the plea stated, leads to health issues, school dropouts, and stigma, particularly for girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
The court emphasized the importance of addressing these gaps to safeguard adolescent girls’ education, health, and well-being. The matter will be heard further on December 3.
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