Key Points
- Free sanitary pads for girls in classes 6 to 12
- Mandatory menstrual hygiene infrastructure in schools
- Awareness programs to break menstrual taboos
- States, UTs asked to submit status reports to the court
In a significant step towards strengthening girls’ education and menstrual health, the Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment directing the central government and all state governments to implement a National Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy. Under this policy, free sanitary pads must be provided to all female students studying in classes 6 to 12 across the country.
A bench headed by the Chief Justice underscored that the right to education cannot be separated from the right to dignity, health, and bodily autonomy of female students. The court observed that the lack of menstrual hygiene support directly affects attendance, academic performance, and school retention among adolescent girls.
Clear Directions on Implementation
The Supreme Court instructed the central government to work in close coordination with states and union territories to prepare and execute a comprehensive plan for menstrual hygiene management. The court made it clear that the policy must go beyond token measures and ensure real, on-ground impact.
As per the directions:
- Free Distribution: Sanitary pads must be supplied at no cost to girls in all government and government-aided schools.
- Infrastructure Focus: Schools must have separate, functional toilets for girls along with safe disposal mechanisms such as incinerators. The court stated that distribution without infrastructure would defeat the purpose of the policy.
- Awareness and Education: Regular awareness programs must be conducted in schools to address myths, stigma, and taboos associated with menstruation, ensuring a supportive environment for young girls.
Why the Judgment Matters
The court took note of alarming data highlighting the link between menstruation and school dropouts in India. Government and academic studies indicate that:
- Nearly 23 percent of girls drop out of school after the onset of menstruation.
- Due to poor access to sanitary products and toilets, many girls miss four to five days of school every month, severely affecting learning outcomes.
The Supreme Court emphasized that addressing menstrual hygiene is not a welfare measure but a constitutional obligation linked to equality, education, and public health. The ruling is expected to play a crucial role in reducing dropout rates and creating a safer, more dignified learning environment for millions of girls.
States Asked to Report Compliance
To ensure accountability, the Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to file affidavits detailing the current status of sanitary pad distribution, availability of girls’ toilets, and disposal facilities in schools.
The central government has been tasked with monitoring implementation and ensuring that the benefits of the policy reach even remote and underserved regions of the country.
This judgment is being seen as a transformative move that places menstrual dignity at the heart of India’s education system, with long-term social and economic implications.
