National Policy On Distribution Of Menstrual Hygiene Products For School Girls Being Formulated : Union Informs Supreme Court

The Union today (July 8) informed the Supreme Court that a National Policy on the Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Products to adolescent school-going girls is being formulated and is at an advanced stage. The Court granted additional time to Union to collect data and solidify the Policy. 

The bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing a petition seeking the supply of sanitary products to school girls. 

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested the Court to grant an additional 8 weeks to consolidate the Policy. The bench agreed to hear the matter in early September.

On November 6, 2023, the Union Government informed the Supreme Court that a draft National Policy was under wraps. The Union had requested four weeks to gather public opinions on the policy. 

What Does The Petitioner Seek? 

The petition not only prayed for free sanitary napkins and toilets in school, but also prayed for a three stage awareness program that -

1. Creates awareness about menstrual health and dispels the taboo surrounding it;

2. Provides adequate sanitation facilities and subsidised or free sanitary products to women, especially in disadvantaged areas;

3. Ensures an efficient and sanitary manner of menstrual waste disposal.

Case Title: Dr. Jaya Thakur v GoI And Ors. WP(C) No. 1000/2022