Supreme Court Urges Government to Ensure Sanitary Napkins and Gender-Segregated Toilets in Schools
Girls shouldn't give up education due to lack of sanitary napkins, gender-segregated toilets in schools: Supreme Court
Image: The Economic Times
The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that girls should not abandon their education due to the lack of sanitary napkins and gender-segregated toilets in schools. The court directed the Centre to ensure compliance with its January ruling mandating these facilities in all educational institutions.
- 01The Supreme Court's January 30 ruling mandates free sanitary napkins and functional gender-segregated toilets in all schools across India.
- 02The court stressed that the lack of these facilities should not hinder girls' education, urging the government to ensure compliance.
- 03The Centre is required to collect and report data on the implementation of these directives every three months.
- 04The Ministry of Education has been designated as the nodal ministry for overseeing compliance with the court's orders.
- 05The court has highlighted that access to menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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On Monday, the Supreme Court of India reiterated that girls should not be forced to give up their education due to the unavailability of sanitary napkins and gender-segregated toilets in schools. The court's remarks followed a report from the Centre indicating progress in implementing its January 30 ruling, which requires all states and Union Territories to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins and functional toilets. Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasized the importance of these facilities, stating that girls should not be relegated to domestic work due to inadequate school resources. The court mandated that the Centre ensure compliance with its directives and report on progress every three months. It also directed that all schools, regardless of management type, be equipped with these essential facilities. The ruling underscores that access to menstrual hygiene is integral to a girl’s right to education and participation in society.
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The ruling is expected to enhance educational access for girls across India by ensuring necessary sanitary and hygiene facilities in schools.
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