CBSE orders schools to ensure sanitary facilities, awareness for menstrual health

CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to put in place comprehensive menstrual hygiene measures in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling that links menstrual health to fundamental rights.

The direction follows a Jan 20 judgment in which the Supreme Court held that access to dignified menstruation is an essential part of Article 21, covering the right to life, dignity, and education.

The court observed that lack of proper facilities during menstruation can affect both education and equality and issued an ongoing mandamus requiring schools across states and union territories to implement supportive measures.

In response, CBSE has laid out mandatory steps for schools, including the provision of clean and safe toilets with washing facilities for girls, availability of biodegradable sanitary napkins, and designated menstrual hygiene management spaces on campus.

Schools have also been asked to ensure proper systems for disposal of sanitary waste.

The Board has directed institutions to conduct awareness sessions on health, puberty, and gender sensitivity, following NCERT and SCERT guidelines.

These efforts are aimed at improving understanding and reducing stigma around menstruation among students.

Schools will also be subject to monitoring through inspections by District Education Officers to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

CBSE has asked schools to submit monthly compliance reports within fixed timelines. The first report is due before March 31, 2026, and the second by April 30, 2026, to be submitted through an official Google form to be shared by the Board.

The directive emphasizes not only infrastructure upgrades but also the need to build an inclusive and stigma-free environment.

Schools have been encouraged to integrate menstrual health into regular discussions to support student well-being and promote gender equity.