Menstrual Hygiene Policy: The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls” approved by the Union Health Ministry is now in force. The policy, focused on improving the menstrual hygiene of school-going girls, was approved on November 2, 2024, in response to the court’s order of April 10, 2023.
What will be the benefit of menstrual hygiene policy?
The programme aims to address low awareness about menstruation, which often impedes 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 centre aims to promote safe menstrual practices and eco-friendly use of menstrual waste.
Congress leader had raised the demand for distribution of 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 Class 6 to 12 in all government, government-aided and residential schools. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal will hear the case on October 12.
“This policy aims to mainstream menstrual hygiene within the government school system in order to bring about a change in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among school-going girls, in order to overcome the barriers of low awareness that often restrict their independence, mobility and participation in daily activities,” said the affidavit filed in the pending case.
97.5% of schools in the country have separate toilets for girls
The Centre had earlier told the court that 97.5% of 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 on distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to girl students is underway.
Related Articles:-
DA Hike: DA of these Central govt employees increased by 12%, salary will increase by Rs 36000
