The Odisha government has issued an “extremely urgent” directive to all district collectors, instructing them to ensure the immediate implementation of comprehensive sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities in schools across the state.
The move follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur vs Government of India (2022), which mandated the establishment of proper menstrual hygiene management systems in educational institutions nationwide.
The order was issued by N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, marking a major step toward creating safe, inclusive, and student-friendly learning environments in Odisha.
Mandatory Sanitation Facilities in All Schools
Under the new directive, all government and private schools in Odisha must provide functional, gender-segregated toilets with proper infrastructure.
The guidelines require:
- Separate toilets for boys and girls
- Continuous water supply
- Dedicated handwashing stations
- Privacy-focused sanitation facilities
- Accessibility for students with disabilities
Authorities have directed District Education Officers to conduct annual inspections and collect feedback from students to ensure the standards are properly implemented and maintained.
Free Sanitary Napkins for Students
The directive places strong emphasis on menstrual hygiene support for female students.
Schools are now required to provide free Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins to girls. These will be made available through sanitary napkin vending machines or designated distribution points within school campuses.
The initiative aims to reduce absenteeism among girl students and ensure they can attend classes without facing health or hygiene challenges.
Mandatory Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Corners
Another key component of the directive is the establishment of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners in every school.
These corners will be equipped with essential items and information resources related to menstrual health, helping students access support, guidance, and hygiene materials when needed.
The government has stressed that these facilities must maintain privacy and dignity for students.
Safe Disposal and Waste Management Systems
To address disposal challenges, schools have been directed to install environmentally compliant sanitary waste management systems.
This includes:
- Covered disposal bins in washrooms
- Regular cleaning and maintenance protocols
- Safe and eco-friendly waste disposal mechanisms
These measures are intended to ensure clean and hygienic school environments while managing sanitary waste responsibly.
Awareness Programs and Teacher Training
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the government is also focusing on breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Schools will introduce awareness programmes on menstrual health and puberty, helping students understand the biological and health aspects of menstruation.
Teachers will also undergo specialised training programmes to equip them with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to support students during puberty and menstrual health challenges.
Strict Compliance and Monitoring
The Odisha government has made it clear that the directive is mandatory and not merely advisory.
All districts have been instructed to submit “Action Taken Reports” immediately, confirming steps taken to implement the guidelines in line with the Supreme Court’s mandate.
Officials believe that by combining infrastructure upgrades, hygiene support, awareness programmes, and monitoring mechanisms, the initiative will help remove barriers that often prevent girls from attending school regularly.
The directive underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring that menstrual health and sanitation are treated as essential components of the right to education.
