The Indian government has taken a significant step towards supporting adolescent girls’ education and well-being by approving a “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls.” This initiative follows a Supreme Court directive in response to a PIL by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, which highlighted the difficulties female students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, face due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities in schools.
Key aspects of the policy include the provision of free sanitary pads for female students in classes 6 to 12 and ensuring access to dedicated, hygienic toilets for girls across government and government-aided schools. Currently, around 97.5% of schools nationwide meet these requirements, with additional efforts underway to address any remaining gaps.
This policy goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to dismantle the stigma around menstruation, promote safe hygiene practices, and introduce sustainable waste disposal solutions for menstrual products. With this initiative, the government hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that keeps girls in school and enhances their educational experience.
