gave Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to implement comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) measures. The Supreme Court An order that recognizes menstrual health as a fundamental right linked to dignity, education and equal opportunities. The directive calls for immediate improvement of school infrastructure, access to sanitary products, and systematic awareness initiatives for students. Aimed at strengthening gender equality and student well-being, the initiative hopes to create a safer, more inclusive environment for adolescent girls and address persistent gaps in hygiene and health education in schools.
The Supreme Court linked menstrual health with fundamental rights.
The directive was issued in response to the Supreme Court judgment of 20 January 2026, which held that access to dignified menstruation is an important aspect of Article 21 of the Constitution. The court ruled that if girls are not provided with proper sanitation facilities during menstruation, it will affect their education as well as their right to equality. Apart from this, the Supreme Court also issued an ongoing order, ie, it made it mandatory for schools in all concerned States and Union Territories to implement certain measures that would ensure support for menstrual hygiene.
Important instructions issued to CBSE schools
CBSE has outlined a set of mandatory steps that all affiliated schools must follow:
- Improved Infrastructure: Schools have been directed to provide girls with safe and hygienic toilets and laundry facilities.
- Sanitary products: Schools need to provide access to biodegradable sanitary napkins and special MHM corner to girls in schools.
- Safe disposal: Schools need to provide proper procedures for disposal of sanitary waste.
- Awareness: Schools are required to conduct training sessions on girls’ health and puberty along with gender-sensitive discussions as per NCERT and SCERT guidelines.
- Monitoring through inspection: Schools are required to cooperate in the inspection of District Education Officers.
Compliance Deadlines and Reporting
Schools have been given detailed instructions to submit monthly compliance reports on time. The first report will be submitted before March 31, 2026, and the second report by April 30, 2026. Reports will be sent only through an official Google Form shared by CBSE.
Focus on an inclusive and supportive school environment.
CBSE has emphasized that beyond basic infrastructure, schools should work to foster an inclusive and inclusive environment. By integrating menstrual health education into regular conversations, organizations can play an important role in normalizing the conversation and helping adolescent girls.The directive marks a broader push towards ensuring that schools not only impart education but also uphold the dignity, health and well-being of every student.
