In News: The Supreme Court of India has directed pan-India implementation of the National Policy on Menstrual Hygiene (MH) for School-going Girls in all schools for adolescent girls from Classes 6–12, reinforcing menstrual health as a fundamental right.
Key Highlights of the Judgment
1. Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right
- Right to life under Article 21 includes the right to menstrual health.
- Ensures access to safe menstrual products, sanitation, and hygiene education.
2. Linkage with Right to Equality (Article 14)
- Inaccessibility of menstrual hygiene measures prevents equal participation in schools.
- Menstrual stigma creates structural discrimination.
3. Dignity of the Girl Child
- Dignity must translate into living conditions free from humiliation, stigma, and exclusion.
- Highlights the intersection of health, education, and gender equality.
4. Structural Discrimination
- Lack of sanitary products and facilities infringes on:
- Right to Education (Article 21A)
- RTE Act obligations
- Reinforces the need for institutional measures.
5. Mandatory Measures in Schools
- Sensitisation of male teachers and students.
- Gender-segregated toilets.
- Provision of free sanitary napkins, preferably through vending machines.
- Dedicated Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners.
Government Initiatives Promoting Menstrual Hygiene
Initiative
Key Features
Scheme for Promotion of MH
Awareness campaigns, access to sanitary napkins, promotion of eco-friendly disposal.
National Guidelines on MHM
Part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, focus on rural awareness.
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP)
Provides ‘Suvidha’ oxo-biodegradable pads at ₹1/pad through Janaushadhi Kendras.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Awareness generation on menstrual hygiene and sanitary pad usage.
Samagra Shiksha Scheme
Installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in schools.
Significance
1Strengthens gender equity in schools.
2Links health, dignity, and education under fundamental rights.
3Encourages eco-friendly menstrual product adoption.
4Promotes institutional responsibility rather than individual compliance.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
