The Supreme Court has given the Central government directions to implement a uniform national policy on menstrual hygiene. The Court has also asked to include distribution of free menstrual pads to students.
A Bench comprising of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud along with Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala have directed all the states and union territories for making available the details on girls toilets in schools. It has also asked for the supply of menstrual products/sanitary pads in schools.
The Court ordered that the centre should ensure implementation of the uniform national policy in the states.
The Court also directed all the states and UTs to submit menstrual hygiene policies being carried from their own funds within four weeks.
The Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the Bench that the Centre can introduce a common model, if states provide details on existing policies.
The plea directed to the Centre, states and UTs for giving pads to every girl child studying in classes 6 to 12,along with the toilets in all schools.
The Court directed the Mission Steering Group formed by the Union Health Ministry to re-evaluate the national guidelines and also nominated the Secretary of the Health Ministry to facilitate the process.
The Central government informed the Court that it is for the states to implement the existing policies.