Education councils, including the NCERT, have been instructed to incorporate gender-responsive curricula to break the stigma.
Beyond the Courtroom: SC Sends a Message to Classrooms with Landmark Menstrual Rights Order
The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued a series of landmark directions to all states and union territories, mandating that girl students in both government and private schools be provided with free biodegradable menstrual sanitary pads. Underscoring the weight of the decision, the apex court observed that the right to menstrual health is an integral part of the fundamental "Right to Life" under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court directed that all schools, across urban and rural areas, must provide functional, gender-segregated toilets with usable water connectivity and handwashing facilities. To ensure privacy and dignity, all existing and new toilets must be designed to be accessible, including for children with disabilities. Furthermore, every school is required to establish "Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners" equipped with spare uniforms, innerwear, and disposal bags.
Education councils, including the NCERT, have been instructed to incorporate gender-responsive curricula to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and puberty. The court also ordered the widespread dissemination of information regarding Jan Aushadhi Suvidha napkins.
To ensure compliance, District Education Officers (DEOs) must conduct annual inspections and collect anonymous feedback from students. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will oversee the implementation, with the court noting that inaccessibility to these measures undermines the dignity of the girl child.
Source: The Tribune
