The Supreme Court has criticised State governments and Union Territories for submitting “mechanical” and unsatisfactory reports on menstrual hygiene facilities for schoolgirls in government and private schools. The court said the filings do not reflect the situation on the ground and appear like simple “yes/no” form-filling.
A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan was hearing the Jaya Thakur case concerning free distribution of sanitary napkins, separate toilets for girls, and ensuring menstrual hygiene management in schools. The court reviewed how earlier directions had been implemented.
The Bench observed that the reports showed little independent application of mind or concern. It directed governments that the next progress report should stop merely listing achievements and instead clearly identify shortcomings in the field.
The court asked for specific details, including how many schools lack separate toilets with water facilities, the real reasons for the absence of such infrastructure, and timelines to bridge the gaps. To ensure directions are implemented beyond paperwork, District Chief Education Officers were told to form teacher teams and conduct surprise inspections in urban and rural government, aided and private schools.
The inspection reports must include direct feedback from students. The court also ordered that all schools immediately create an emergency facility with spare clothes, undergarments and sanitary napkins. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 29.
