On November 2, 2024, the Union Health Ministry approved the “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls,” marking a significant step towards ensuring that female students have better access to hygiene resources. This policy comes in response to a Supreme Court directive from April 2023 and a PIL by Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur.
Background of the Policy
Jaya Thakur filed a PIL urging the Centre and state governments to supply free sanitary pads to female students in Classes 6 to 12 and guarantee separate toilets in schools. The policy addresses challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often struggle with limited access to hygiene products and adequate sanitation facilities.
Objectives of the Policy
The “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls” aims to:
- Integrate Menstrual Health into School Systems: The policy emphasizes normalizing menstrual health within schools, increasing awareness, and changing existing attitudes and behaviors towards menstruation.
- Expand Coverage and Assess Needs: States and union territories will conduct surveys to assess hygiene needs, followed by measures to fill identified gaps.
- Ensure Access to Sanitary Products: The policy mandates the regular supply of menstrual hygiene products in government and government-aided schools.
- Promote Safe Practices and Waste Management: It also seeks to challenge harmful social norms and promote sustainable and safe menstrual hygiene practices, including proper waste management.
Progress on Sanitation Facilities
The Centre has highlighted that 97.5% of schools in India have separate toilet facilities for female students. Notable achievements include:
- 100% Compliance: States such as Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry have met targets for providing separate toilets in all schools.
- High Coverage States:
- West Bengal: 99.9% compliance
- Uttar Pradesh: 98.8% compliance
- Tamil Nadu: 99.7% compliance
- Kerala: 99.6% compliance
- Madhya Pradesh: 98.6% compliance
Areas Needing Improvement
Despite overall high national averages, some northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir still fall short, with the latter at 89.2% compliance. The Centre aims to bridge these gaps through the new policy, fostering uniform access to essential facilities.
The Supreme Court’s Involvement
The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to create a national strategy for menstrual health following its April 2023 order. It emphasized that the policy should include the distribution of sanitary products and ensure sufficient sanitation facilities tailored to the number of female students in schools. The apex court also appointed the Health Ministry’s Secretary as the nodal officer to oversee the policy’s implementation and coordinate with states and union territories.
Implementation and Monitoring
The policy outlines that:
- Assessment and Surveys: States and union territories will use surveys to gauge existing needs and effectiveness.
- Distribution Mechanisms: The policy ensures streamlined processes for distributing hygiene products in schools.
- Feedback and Updates: Regular data collection and reviews will inform ongoing improvements and address challenges faced in the field.
Impact and Way Forward
The new policy is poised to create a significant impact by addressing the practical needs of female students. Access to hygiene products and proper sanitation will support their educational participation and contribute to healthier school environments. This step represents progress in removing barriers and reducing absenteeism linked to menstrual challenges.
The Centre’s proactive response to the Supreme Court’s directive, including data-backed reporting on school infrastructure and hygiene practices, sets a robust foundation for achieving greater inclusivity and support for schoolgirls nationwide.
Future Outlook
With these measures in place, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s policy framework aims not only to enhance menstrual hygiene but also to foster an educational atmosphere where girls feel safe, supported, and able to focus on their studies without hindrance.
The Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on this matter on October 12 will further discuss the policy’s rollout and its reception in schools across India. Continued efforts and coordinated action by states and the central government will be vital for the policy’s long-term success and sustainability.
