Menstrual health now a fundamental right: free pads in schools nationwide
Menstrual health now a fundamental right: free pads in schools nationwide
SC declares menstrual hygiene a fundamental right under Article 21, ordering free sanitary pads and separate toilets for girls in all schools to uphold dignity and equality.
India's Supreme Court has declared menstrual hygiene a fundamental right under Article 21, a landmark move aimed at eradicating period-shaming and ensuring dignity for every student. The ruling mandates that all government and private schools provide free sanitary pads and well-maintained, private toilet facilities for girls. It also emphasizes accountability, warning that private institutions that fail to implement these facilities risk de-recognition or penalties.
The court's decision arises from ongoing concerns about period-shaming and the barriers girls face in accessing menstrual health resources, which can affect attendance and education. The orders direct states and Union Territories to ensure separate toilets for female and male students in all schools, and to make pads freely available in schools or through government schemes where appropriate.
Education departments are instructed to monitor compliance, publish progress reports, and engage with civil society groups to address any gaps. Advocates say the ruling could transform school environments, helping girls attend classes with dignity rather than fear or embarrassment. Civil rights groups welcome the judgment as a step toward gender equality in education, while some schools and unions await detailed guidelines on implementation and budgeting.
The decision aligns with wider efforts to integrate health rights into constitutional guarantees and could set a precedent for future rulings on access to health services in public institutions.
