The Indian government has recently introduced a comprehensive “Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls” after receiving approval from the Union health ministry. This initiative aims to enhance menstrual hygiene practices and ensure access to sanitary products for female students in government schools nationwide.

This policy development follows a directive from the Supreme Court dating back to April 10, 2023, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur. The PIL urged the government to provide free sanitary pads to female students in Classes 6 to 12 and establish separate female toilets in all government, government-aided, and residential schools.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare finalized the policy, which was officially endorsed on November 2, 2024. The primary goal of this policy is to integrate menstrual hygiene education into the school curriculum, fostering positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among schoolgirls. By addressing the prevalent lack of awareness that hinders their freedom and participation in daily activities, this initiative aims to empower female students.

One crucial aspect of the policy is the assessment of existing facilities and the identification of gaps to ensure a consistent supply of menstrual hygiene products in government and aided schools. Additionally, the policy aims to eradicate harmful social norms related to menstruation while promoting eco-friendly menstrual waste management practices.

The government’s efforts to provide adequate sanitation facilities for female students have been commendable, with over 97.5% of schools, including government, state-aided, and private institutions, having separate toilets for girls. Various states have made significant progress in this regard, with states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sikkim, Gujarat, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and others achieving high percentages of toilet facilities for female students.

However, disparities exist, particularly in northeastern regions where the provision of separate toilet facilities for female students lags behind the national average. For instance, Jammu and Kashmir has implemented such facilities in only 89.2% of schools. To address these discrepancies, the Supreme Court has directed the government to establish a national framework for constructing toilets in proportion to the number of female students in government-aided and residential schools nationwide.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls marks a significant step towards promoting better menstrual health practices among female students in India. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene education and ensuring access to necessary resources, the government is working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for young girls in educational institutions across the country.