New Delhi, Jan 31: In a significant verdict on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jaya Thakur vs Government of India, the Supreme Court of India on Friday last has issued stringent directives to all States and Union Territories to ensure proper sanitation facilities and the implementation of a comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene Policy in every school across the country.
The apex court directed that all schools—government-run as well as privately managed, in both urban and rural areas—must be provided with functional, gender-segregated toilets with usable water connectivity. The court further mandated that all existing and newly constructed school toilets must be designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure privacy and accessibility, including provisions for children with disabilities.
The verdict also emphasized that every school toilet must be equipped with functional handwashing facilities, ensuring the continuous availability of soap and water.
Highlighting menstrual hygiene as a critical issue of dignity and health, the Supreme Court ordered that every school shall provide Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost, manufactured in compliance with ASTM D-6954 standards, irrespective of whether the institution is government-run or privately managed.
In addition, the court directed that Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners must be established in every school, both in urban and rural areas. These MHM corners are to be equipped with essential materials, including spare innerwear, spare uniforms, disposable bags, and other necessary items to address menstruation-related emergencies among students.
The court further mandated that all schools must have a safe, hygienic, and environmentally compliant system for the disposal of sanitary napkins, strictly in accordance with the latest Solid Waste Management Rules.
To ensure effective implementation, the Supreme Court entrusted oversight responsibility to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the respective State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs). The court clarified that in cases of non-compliance, these bodies shall initiate necessary action under Sections 15 and 24 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, respectively.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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