Period Hygiene Now a Priority in Education

Recently the Central Board of Education (CBSE) gave an important order to schools, that all the schools should ensure maintaining menstrual hygiene. It included that the sanitary pads must be provided, the toilets and hygiene facilities must be improved as well as the awareness programs are required to be conducted about periods.

The courts linked the menstrual health to fundamental rights and ultimately this has now turned out to be a topic of discussion across different states. The Karnataka high court for this emphasized that menstrual health is a part of the right to life and dignity, moreover it ordered the government to implement the menstrual leave policies properly. The decisions reflect that periods are no more the personal issues but becoming a social concern and a part of education.

As there are many positive outcomes of this but supreme court also opposed it with strong statements. The supreme court of India while rejecting the decision argued that it might cause reduced job opportunities for women as the women employees would turn out to be more expensive for company and institutions.

While the schools are now focusing on menstrual hygiene, courts are saying it’s a serious issue, and the debates are continued it still encourages discussion &  policies to ensure better support for girls education and well-being.