Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 18: The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all state-run schools to ensure comprehensive menstrual hygiene facilities, including free distribution of biodegradable sanitary napkins to girl students, in line with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India.
As per the circular, every school must have functional, gender-segregated toilets with proper water connectivity. Toilets must also be equipped with handwashing facilities, ensuring the availability of soap and water at all times.
The DoE has mandated that biodegradable sanitary napkins, compliant with ASTM D-6954 standards, be provided free of cost and made easily accessible to students. Schools have been advised to install sanitary napkin vending machines within toilet premises. Where immediate installation is not feasible, the napkins must be made available at designated locations or through authorised personnel.
Additionally, schools are required to establish Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners. These should be equipped with essential items such as spare innerwear, uniforms, disposable bags, and other materials required to address menstruation-related needs.
Each toilet unit must also have covered waste bins for sanitary disposal, with strict emphasis on cleanliness and regular maintenance.
The directive follows a recent judgment by the apex court, which issued binding instructions to all states and Union Territories to ensure menstrual hygiene facilities in both government and private schools.
The court also asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) to include gender-sensitive curriculum on menstruation and puberty to help eliminate stigma.
Further, District Education Officers have been instructed to carry out annual inspections and collect anonymous feedback from students to assess implementation.
The court linked access to menstrual hygiene facilities to Section 3 of the Right to Education Act, reinforcing it as a fundamental aspect of students’ welfare and dignity.