New Delhi, January 30 (IANS). The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that free sanitary pads should be provided to girls studying in classes 6 to 12 in all government and private schools of the country. This decision has come after hearing a PIL filed regarding menstrual hygiene.
The Supreme Court clarified that it is not just a facility, but the right of the girl students to get a safe, clean and respectful environment. The court has directed all schools to arrange separate toilets for different genders and ensure complete privacy there. Besides, the rights of disabled students should also be taken care of.
The court has also said that free biodegradable sanitary pads should be available inside the toilets of schools. These pads should be given to the girl students through machines or by the responsible officers fixed in the school premises so that there is no hesitation or trouble.
Apart from this, the Supreme Court has directed to create ‘Menstrual Hygiene Management Corner’ in all schools. All the necessary things and information related to menstruation will be made available in these corners so that the girl students can feel safe and aware.
The court has asked all states and union territories to submit a report within three months as to how the judgment has been implemented on the ground. Besides, the court has also asked the Central Government to make a policy at the national level so that a uniform system can be implemented across the country.
This petition was filed by social worker Jaya Thakur of Madhya Pradesh. She had demanded that free sanitary pads and other menstrual products should be provided to the girls studying in schools so that the education of any student does not stop just because of this.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also asked the states and union territories to inform the central government about the schemes and fund-driven policies being implemented at their respective levels regarding menstrual hygiene.
–IANS
VKU/ABM
