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Supreme Court Mandates Free Pads for Schoolgirls
30 Jan
Summary
- Schools must provide free biodegradable menstrual pads to students.
- Menstrual hygiene access is a fundamental right under Article 21.
- Governments will be held accountable for non-compliance with the ruling.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated that all schools across India must provide biodegradable menstrual sanitary pads to students free of charge. The court affirmed that the right to menstrual hygiene and access to necessary products is an integral part of the right to life, as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The bench emphasized the need for separate toilets for male and female students and ensured the availability of sanitary pads for girls in classes 6 through 12. Furthermore, all schools, regardless of their administrative control, are required to provide disabled-friendly toilets, sanitary napkins, soap, water, and spare uniforms for girls.
This directive is a crucial step towards implementing the government's 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls'. The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will hold state governments accountable for any failure to provide adequate toilet facilities and free sanitary pads to female students. The ruling aims to combat absenteeism among girls due to menstruation and promote equality of opportunity by ensuring they can participate fully in education.
