Supreme Court directs all states to provide free sanitary pads in all schools
The Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and Union Territories to ensure that schools provide biodegradable menstrual sanitary pads to students for free.
Recognising the right to menstrual hygiene and access to menstrual hygiene products, the court said that it is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan told states and Union Territories to ensure separate toilets for female and male students and ensure availability of sanitary pads in classes 6 to 12, HT reported.
It also said all schools, irrespective of whether they are state-run or controlled, will have to provide disabled-friendly toilets, sanitary napkins, water and soap, along with spare uniforms for girls.
The ruling was passed in relation to the implementation of the Centre’s policy on ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’ in government schools.
The bench also said that it would hold governments accountable if they too fail to provide for toilets and free sanitary pads to girls.
The Court also emphasised that the right to a healthy reproductive life also leads to embracing the right to access education and information about sexual health. Connecting the idea of menstrual health to equality of opportunity, the court rules that “equality of opportunity necessitates that everyone has a fair chance to acquire the skills necessary to access benefits.”