NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday notified the Supreme Court about establishing the " Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls", which received approval from the Union health ministry. Following the top court's order from April 10, 2023, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare developed this policy, which was sanctioned by the relevant minister on November 2, 2024. The apex court was hearing a PIL submitted by Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur, requesting the Centre and states to provide complimentary sanitary pads to female students from Classes 6 to 12 and ensure dedicated female toilets in all government, government-aided and residential schools.
The Centre announced on July 8 that they were finalising a national policy regarding the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to adolescent female students . Through advocate Varun Thakur, the PIL petition filed by Thakur brought attention to the challenges encountered by underprivileged adolescent female students in schools. What does the policy aims "This policy aims to mainstream menstrual hygiene within the school system of the government to bolster change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, among schoolgirls, overcoming the barriers of low awareness that often restrict their freedom, mobility and participation in daily activities," the affidavit, filed in the pending matter, stated.
The policy facilitates coverage assessment through appropriate survey mechanisms by states and union territ.
