Over 97% of schools in India have separate toilets for girls: Centre to court

Over 97.5% of schools in India now have separate toilets for girl students, with states like Delhi and Goa reaching 100% compliance, the Centre reported to the Supreme Court.

In Short

• Over 97.5% of Indian schools provide separate toilets for girls
• States like Delhi and Goa reach 100% compliance for girl-specific toilets
• National policy on menstrual hygiene products in advanced stages

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that over 97.5% of schools in India now have separate toilets for girl students, according to an affidavit filed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL).

This landmark figure reflects efforts made across government, government-aided, and private schools, ensuring greater sanitation and privacy for young girls in educational institutions nationwide.

States and Union territories such as Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry have achieved 100% compliance, providing separate toilet facilities for girls in all schools.

West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh also boast impressive numbers, with 99.9% and 98.8% of schools meeting the target, respectively.

Other states, including Tamil Nadu (99.7%), Kerala (99.6%), and Gujarat (99.5%), have shown similar progress, moving close to full compliance.

In states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the availability of girl-specific facilities stands at 98.7%, 98.6%, and 98%, respectively.

However, some states, particularly in the northeastern region and Jammu and Kashmir, still lag behind, with the latter reporting 89.2% of schools with separate girls' toilets.

Despite this gap, the national average has risen to 98%, illustrating substantial improvements in school infrastructure.

NATIONAL PUSH FOR MENSTRUAL HYGIENE SUPPORT IN SCHOOLS

The Centre also updated the Supreme Court on its national policy for distributing menstrual hygiene products to adolescent girls in schools, which is currently in advanced planning stages.

This follows an April 10 Supreme Court directive asking the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop a cohesive policy, alongside the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to support menstrual hygiene and sanitation facilities in schools.

The ongoing PIL, initiated by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, seeks to ensure free sanitary pads for girls in Classes 6 to 12 and mandates proper toilet facilities in all schools.

The Centre has acknowledged the challenges faced by adolescent girls, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, who may experience educational disruptions due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene resources.

COURT-ORDERED ACTION ON SCHOOL SANITATION

In its April order, the Supreme Court also tasked states with devising clear strategies for menstrual hygiene management. It required each state to submit its approach to the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission, specifying funding sources and goals.

States were also asked to propose appropriate ratios of female toilets for residential and non-residential schools, install vending machines for sanitary napkins, and provide safe disposal methods for these products.

The PIL argues that girls aged 11-18 face significant educational hurdles due to a lack of menstrual hygiene awareness and resources.

“These are adolescent females who are not equipped with and are also not educated by their parents about menstruation and menstrual hygiene,” the petition stated, pointing out the critical need for national support to prevent school dropouts due to menstrual hygiene issues.

The Supreme Court’s directives seek to close the gender gap in educational access by promoting a hygienic, safe learning environment for girls, reducing absenteeism, and protecting their right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution.

(With inputs from PTI)