PANAJI
In a move to ensure access to menstrual hygiene facilities for girl students, the Directorate of Education has directed all government-aided schools in Goa to procure sanitary napkins from the nearest Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Re 1 per pad and distribute them free of cost to eligible students.
Director Education Bhagirath Shetye in a directive issued has asked the managements and heads of all government-aided primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools to make necessary arrangements for procurement and free distribution of sanitary napkins with immediate effect.
As per the prescribed formula, schools will have to calculate their requirement based on the number of eligible girl students enrolled. The requirement has to be worked out at the rate of two sanitary napkins per day for five days a month over 12 months.
The expenditure incurred on procurement will be claimed from the respective Educational Zone.
The circular also mandates schools to maintain a proper consumable stock register recording the quantity procured, distributed and the balance stock available.
Emphasising students' dignity and privacy, the Directorate has directed schools to ensure easy and timely access to sanitary napkins without discrimination or embarrassment. Heads of institutions will be responsible for maintaining adequate stocks and ensuring that pads are made available whenever required.
Schools have also been instructed to ensure hygienic storage of sanitary napkins and make suitable arrangements for safe and hygienic disposal of used pads in accordance with applicable waste-management provisions.
