New Delhi
The Center informed the Supreme Court that the “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls” approved by the Union Health Ministry has now come into force. The policy focused on improving menstrual hygiene of school girls was approved on November 2, 2024, in response to the Court’s order dated April 10, 2023.
Objective and main points of the policy
The main objective of this policy is to increase awareness about menstruation among school going girls. Because menstruation often affects their participation in activities and education. Under this scheme, menstrual hygiene facilities will be provided to girls in government and government-aided schools. This will give them access to safe and hygienic menstrual tools. Along with this, this policy will also promote disposal of menstrual waste in an environment-friendly manner.
Congress leader demands distribution of free sanitary pads
This policy is in the context of that Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Which was filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur. The petition demands distribution of free sanitary pads to girl students from classes 6 to 12. This case will be heard in the Supreme Court on October 12.
Central Government Information: Toilet and Sanitation Kit Distribution
The central government told the court that 97.5% of schools in the country have separate toilets for girls, and states like Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry are in 100% compliance. Additionally, the government has also initiated distribution of menstrual hygiene kits at the national level, to promote positive attitudes towards menstrual hygiene among girl students.
What will be the benefits of menstrual hygiene policy?
The program aims to address low awareness about menstruation, which often hinders school girls’ mobility and participation in daily activities. It outlines measures to ensure that girl students in government and government-aided schools have access to menstrual hygiene facilities. The center aims to promote safe menstrual practices and eco-friendly utilization of menstrual waste.
Congress leader had raised the demand to distribute free sanitary pads
The Supreme Court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, seeking distribution of free sanitary pads to girls from classes 6 to 12 in all government, government-aided and residential schools. A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Pankaj Mithal will hear the case on October 12.
The policy aims to mainstream menstrual hygiene within the school system of the government to bring about a change in knowledge, attitudes and behavior among school girls, so as to remove the barriers of low awareness that often hinder their independence, mobility and Restrict participation in daily activities,” the affidavit filed in the pending case said.
Separate toilets for girls in 97.5% schools of the country
The Center had earlier told the court that 97.5% schools in India provide separate toilets for girl students, with states like Delhi, Goa and Puducherry having 100 per cent compliance. The institute announced that a national initiative is underway on the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to girl students.
