Mensuration refers to the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the cervix, which passes out of the body through the vagina at approximately monthly intervals. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilised, leading to the breakdown and shedding of the uterine lining. Menarche {the first menstrual period} occurs after the one set of pubertal growth. The average age of a female at the time of menarche is between 8 and 15 years, and it usually occurs at intervals of about 28 days.
“M.h.m” refers to Menstrual Hygiene Management which also can be referred as: articulation, awareness, information and confidence to manage menstruation with safety and dignity using safe hygienic materials together with adequate water and agents and spaces for washing and bathing with soap and disposal of used menstrual absorbents with privacy and dignity. Further, water, and hygienic facilities include clean water, sex-separated washrooms, and hand-washing facilities.
On 30th of January 2026, Supreme Court of India declared that the right to menstrual health and access of menstrual hygiene measures in educational institutions is a part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the constitution. The judgement was based on a written petition filed by Doctor Jaya Thakur, highlighting the lack of MHM measures in schools across the country. The court held that the lack of MHM measures violates the right to privacy and bodily autonomy of students.
In this judgement the supreme court issued a series of directions and ordered States and Union Territories across country to ensure that every school, whether government-run or privately managed, in both rural and urban areas, are provided with functional and clean, gender segregated toilets. These schools must make oxo-biodegradable sanitary pads available and accessible to students free-of-cost, preferably within the toilet premises, through sanitary napkin vending machines. [“MHM”] corners must be established by schools which will be equipped with but not limited to, spare innerwear, spare innerwear, spare uniforms, disposable bags and other necessary materials to address menstruation-related demands.
Implementation of these orders in Doda. [J&K]
Around 60% of girls in Jammu & Kashmir still use cloth during periods. As per Dr. Rukhsana Jan a gynaecologist said that although the number of women using sanitary pads has increased in recent years, but still a significant number of women, especially in remote areas, continue to use cloth during periods. 1,408 govt. schools will soon be equipped with sanitary pad vending and incinerator machines under the “Samagra Shiksha” scheme. But the question is how much more time it will take to implement these basic facilities in our govt. schools as its already have been almost 6 months since the orders were given. If we talk about the “Doda” district of Jammu & Kashmir, here the situation about menstrual hygiene is very unstable. In govt. run schools there is very less availability of oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins in a very limited stock, no availability of spare inner-wears or uniforms. The condition of toilets is very miserable as they lack time to time cleanliness and inspections. Many gov.t schools in remote areas of the district outsource sanitary napkins from NGOs, Social welfares and through charity. Availability of vending machines and incinerators is so close, yet so far to us. Private schools in the district are not even on par with the govt. schools, as they are expected to have a more suitable infrastructure for girls to maintain their privacy and dignity in the institution, but unfortunately there are no major updates or actions by the private school authorities. “The denial of adequate facilities, appropriate sanitary products, or privacy effectively compels a girl child to manage her body in manner dictated by circumstances rather than by choice” However, schools in the region both urban and rural provide sanitary pads of a very normal quality to girls and also conduct necessary awareness drives to encourage girls to use sanitary pads rather than clothes. Some of the govt. schools acquire sanitary pads for their students through inclusive charity as they don’t get any external help from social welfare department or NGOs. The situation is yet to be better in the vicinity whether it is about social awareness, better technology, mutual understanding between the teacher and student as the girls in remote areas may be hesitant to talk with their teachers. The teachers should be more welcoming and encouraging for the students.
‘Men & Menstruation’
The education and sensitisation of male teachers and students about the “biological reality of menstruation” is very important in order to avoid any sort of harassment or invasive questioning of menstruating student in the school.
The court held that the State concerned would be held accountable if government-run schools did not comply with section 19 of the Right to Education act. Similarly private schools would be de-recognised and face consequences if they did not comply with similar norms prescribed under the RTE Act.
Conclusion:
It is very sad to see that in today’s advanced world, we are still unable to provide a basic and good hygiene with dignity and privacy to their lives. Schools which are called as “Knowledge Temples” in India don’t even have little knowledge about a girl’s body. Menstruation is still considered as a taboo/stigma in our society. Topics like menstruation and reproductive health are often skipped in biology classes. We as a progressive society should come forward a take a step to make student life easier so that she can study without worrying about the hardships she faces every month.