The Supreme Court on Tuesday reviewed compliance with its directions on menstrual hygiene management in schools, with the Bench pressing the Centre and States on gaps in access to sanitary napkins, gender-segregated toilets, washing facilities and sanitation infrastructure.
Senior Advocate Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, informed the Court that States and Union Territories had commenced providing sanitary napkins in schools, though 100% saturation had not yet been achieved. She submitted that the Centre was supporting the States through funding under the National Health Mission and education-related schemes.
The Bench particularly emphasised the need to focus on rural and tribal areas, where students may lack the financial means and infrastructure required to access menstrual hygiene products. The Court also raised concerns about the availability of biodegradable sanitary napkins, including whether manufacturers were available and whether such products complied with prescribed standards.
On school sanitation infrastructure, the Court was informed that 77% of schools had gender-segregated toilets with washing facilities, while 11% were under construction and a 12% gap remained. The Bench directed that State- and UT-wise deficiencies be identified and examined, observing that the exercise must be pursued in a mission-mode manner.
The Court also flagged the absence of sanitation workers or support staff in some schools, questioning how toilets could be maintained without personnel responsible for cleaning them. It asked counsel to undertake a ground-level assessment, beginning with Delhi and neighbouring States, and identify the specific areas requiring further intervention.
The Bench further took note of submissions concerning Madhya Pradesh, including an allegation that funds allocated for menstrual hygiene were being transferred directly to students rather than being used for distribution of sanitary napkins. The Court directed that supporting material on the issue be placed before it.
The matter has been kept for further consideration on September 29, with the Court directing that an updated compliance report be filed before the next hearing so that progress during the April–July quarter and subsequent period can be assessed.