The Centre has urged states to submit action plans for the effective implementation of the menstrual hygiene policy for schoolgirls. The aim is to ensure access to affordable hygiene products and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in public and government-aided schools.
This request follows a Supreme Court ruling on November 12, which emphasised that a successful rollout of the policy requires comprehensive action plans tailored to the needs of each state and union territory (UT).
Last month, the Centre informed the Supreme Court about the 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-Going Girls,' which was approved by the Union Health Ministry on November 2.
The policy seeks to integrate menstrual hygiene into the school system to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among schoolgirls, addressing the low awareness that often limits their freedom, mobility, and participation in daily activities.
It advocates for ensuring a continuous and timely supply of menstrual hygiene products in schools.
For government and government-aided schools, the policy advises states/UTs to assess the actual need for menstrual hygiene products to optimise resource use.
States and UTs are encouraged to carry out surveys to identify gaps in supply and ensure that girls in government and government-aided schools have regular access to menstrual hygiene products.
The policy also aims to challenge harmful social norms, encourage safe menstrual hygiene practices, and promote environmentally friendly management of menstrual waste.
The Union Health Ministry has asked states to develop and submit detailed action plans that address all aspects of the policy and ensure coverage of government and government-aided schools. The plans should include inter-departmental coordination with relevant stakeholders to address challenges in infrastructure, supply chains, and awareness. They should also prioritise sensitisation and awareness activities to promote safe menstrual hygiene practices and foster behavioural change among adolescents, parents, and educators.
States have been asked to include specific timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and key performance indicators in the action plans.
The policy also aims to improve sanitation facilities in all government and government-aided schools, ensuring they are clean and gender-segregated, as per required standards. It also calls for incorporating menstrual hygiene education into school curriculums to raise awareness and reduce stigma related to menstruation.
The ultimate goal is to promote social and behavioural change by sharing scientific information about menstrual hygiene with all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and the community, in order to create a menstrual-friendly environment for all schoolgirls.
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