Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Directorate of Education has informed that the Supreme Court of India has issued directions to all educational institutions regarding menstrual hygiene facilities in schools.
According to the directive, every school must provide functional, gender-segregated toilets with proper water connectivity. Toilets must also have handwashing facilities with soap and water available at all times.
Schools have also been directed to provide oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins manufactured in compliance with ASTM D-6954 standards free of cost to girl students. These napkins should be easily accessible, preferably through sanitary napkin vending machines installed within toilet premises. Where installation is not immediately feasible, the napkins should be made available at a designated place or through an authorised person in the school.
Further, every school must establish Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners equipped with essential materials such as spare innerwear, spare uniforms, disposable bags and other items required during menstruation-related emergencies.
Each toilet unit must also have covered waste bins for the disposal of sanitary material, with regular cleaning and proper maintenance ensured at all times.
The Directorate has urged all school managements in the state to strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Supreme Court in order to safeguard the health and hygiene of students.
