The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed all affiliated schools to implement comprehensive menstrual hygiene measures, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that recognized dignified menstrual health as an integral part of the right to life.
In a circular dated March 18, CBSE informed schools that the Ministry of Education had shared the apex court’s January 20 judgment. The ruling highlights menstrual hygiene management (MHM) as essential for ensuring equal access to education, particularly for adolescent girls. Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, the court noted that inadequate facilities often hinder attendance and active participation in schools.
Mandatory infrastructure requirements
Schools have been directed to establish safe and hygienic facilities, including:
Separate toilets and washing spaces for girls
Availability of biodegradable sanitary napkins
Dedicated Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners on campus
Awareness and sustainable practices
The circular also stresses the importance of proper disposal systems for sanitary waste, encouraging environmentally responsible methods. Beyond infrastructure, schools are expected to address awareness gaps by conducting sessions on menstrual health, puberty, and gender sensitivity, in line with guidelines issued by NCERT.
To ensure effective implementation, schools must cooperate with regular inspections by district education authorities. They are also required to submit monthly compliance reports, with deadlines set for March 31 and April 30.
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