Menstrual Hygiene is a Right for Girls: CBSE Issues New Guidelines for Schools

New Delhi: The CBSE has issued strict guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management to ensure the health and dignity of girls studying in schools. This action by the board follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling, which stated that menstrual health is part of the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Schools should have separate and safe toilets, along with handwashing facilities for girls. Quality and eco-friendly sanitary napkins should be made available in schools. Special 'MHM corners' should be set up on school campuses to address matters related to menstrual hygiene.

Schools must have a system for the scientific disposal of used sanitary napkins. They should also organise special programs to challenge misconceptions about menstruation and create awareness among students. Discussions on this topic should be encouraged regardless of gender, following NCERT norms.

District education officers will conduct regular inspections to ensure that schools are complying with these guidelines. The CBSE has clarified in a circular that schools must submit a compliance report regarding this matter through the online portal by March 31 and April 30. This initiative emphasises the importance of menstrual hygiene in ensuring equal educational opportunities for girls.