On January 30, 2026, a historic step was taken during the observance of Martyrs’ Day, which marks Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary. The Supreme Court of India mandated that all states and Union Territories (UTs) implement Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) measures, including the provision of free sanitary napkins, in both government and private schools across the country. This directive aims to ensure that young girls can pursue their education without interruptions due to menstruation.
The court recognized menstrual health as a fundamental aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ordered compliance within three months and warned that the Right to Education Act would impose strict penalties on institutions failing to adhere to these guidelines. The court emphasized that the absence of MHM measures subjects girls to “stigma, stereotyping, and humiliation,” asserting that “dignity cannot be reduced to an abstract ideal.”
Despite the positive impact, challenges remain in implementing this order, particularly in underfunded schools that struggle to provide basic facilities. This initiative is crucial in a nation grappling with period poverty, where many lack access to sanitary products and proper hygiene facilities.
In rural areas, girls and women continue to confront the stigma surrounding menstruation while managing physical discomfort. Hygiene often becomes an everyday struggle, with some resorting to using old cloth and limited water for cleaning. Many girls are forced to miss school during their periods due to the lack of sanitary facilities, compounding their challenges as family members who could support them face similar battles.
The situation worsens in regions where gender discrimination is prevalent, leading to the neglect of girls’ basic needs. They often endure shaming and silence, unable to openly discuss menstruation or seek resources to address it. The Supreme Court noted that the lack of MHM facilities in schools would lead to chronic absenteeism, gaps in learning, and ultimately lower academic performance, further exacerbating sociological and psychological inequalities.
To challenge this stigma, it is critical for schools and society to normalize discussions about menstruation. Currently, even independent women hide sanitary products to avoid drawing attention, especially in male-dominated environments. The court’s support represents a turning point, shifting menstruation from being solely a “problem” for women and girls to a communal responsibility. This support could foster greater dignity and agency for girls.
Empowering Indian girls to pursue their dreams begins with ensuring access to necessary sanitary products. The Supreme Court’s ruling could trigger significant changes in societal perceptions surrounding menstruation, helping to dismantle the longstanding taboos associated with it.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-periods-menstrual-guidelines-hygiene-10505666/
Category: Columns,Opinion
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Publish Date: 2026-01-31 17:53:00
