The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to assess the ground situation regarding menstrual hygiene in schools across the country. This move aims to ensure effective implementation of the National Policy on Menstrual Hygiene for school-going girls. The policy focuses on vision, objectives, target components, current programs, and stakeholder responsibilities.
The deprived economic status and illiteracy leads to prevalence of unhygienic and unhealthy practices which has serious health consequences; increases obstinacy and leads to eventual dropping out from schools.
The Petitioner
The petitioner highlighted the difficulties faced by adolescent females from poor backgrounds, who lack access to sanitary products and education on menstrual hygiene.
Some alarming facts brought to the court's attention include:
Inconsistent Data: The government's affidavit stated that 64.5% of girls use sanitary napkins, 49.3% use cloth, and 15.2% use locally prepared napkins, totaling 129% - an obvious discrepancy.
Lack of Facilities: In District Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, schools have no peons, housekeeping, or facilities to provide sanitary pads, forcing girls to go home if they need them.
Unhygienic Practices: Inadequate menstrual hygiene management leads to health consequences, obstinacy, and eventual dropout from schools.
The Top Court said, "We request Aishwarya Bhati, the learned ASG to look into the aspects highlighted by the petitioner referred to above and clarify the position by the next date of hearing."
The Supreme Court has asked the Additional Solicitor General to look into these aspects and clarify the position by the next hearing date, December 3. The court emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene to ensure dignity and well-being for women, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
The petitioner has sought directions for:
Free Sanitary Pads: Provision of free sanitary pads to girls in classes 6 to 12.
Separate Girl Toilets: Construction of separate girl toilets in all government, aided, and residential schools.
Cleaner Facilities: Appointment of cleaners in all schools to maintain toilet hygiene.
Awareness Programs: Implementation of three-stage awareness programs focusing on menstrual health, sanitation facilities, and menstrual waste disposal.
Reference:
1. https://www.india.gov.in
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)
