Government Menstrual Hygiene Initiatives

A Court directs pan-India implementation of the Union’s national policy “Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Policy for School-going Girls” in schools for adolescent girls in Classes 6–12. The judgment links menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene measures with fundamental rights under Articles 21, 14 and 21A, and with the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Menstrual Hygiene (MH) in Schools:

Dimension	Key Details
Policy directed	“Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Policy for School-going Girls” provides for pan-India implementation in schools for adolescent girl children from Classes 6–12.
Constitutional: Article 21	Right to life under Article 21 comprises the right to menstrual health.
Constitutional linkage: Article 14	Inaccessibility of menstrual hygiene measures strips away the right to participate on equal terms in schools under Article 14 (Right to Equality).
Dignity of a girl child	Dignity mandates living conditions free from humiliation, stigma, and exclusion.
Education: Article 21A and RTE Act	Inaccessibility of sanitary products affects the fundamental right to education under Article 21A and the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Mandatory institutional measures	All schools must provide for sensitisation of male teachers and students, gender-segregated toilets, free sanitary napkins (preferably through vending machines), and dedicated MHM corners.
Scheme for Promotion	Provides for awareness on menstrual hygiene, enhancing access to sanitary napkins, and promoting eco-friendly disposal practices.
National Guidelines	Governed by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan; provides for creating awareness on menstrual hygiene management in rural areas.
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausadhi Pariyojna	Janaushidhi Kendras provide “Suvidha” (Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins) at Rs. 1 per pad.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao	Generating awareness about menstrual hygiene and use of sanitary napkins.
Samagra Shiksha Scheme	Provides for installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators.