Sanitary pads and restrooms are a must during board exams: Education Ministry’s advisory to schools; Periods should not affect exams

The Department of School Education and Literacy, which comes under the Ministry of Education, has issued an advisory for schools during the board exams. It states that free sanitary napkins should be kept for girl students who are on their periods during the 10th and 12th board exams. Apart from this, they should get breaks whenever needed during the exam and there should be restrooms at the examination centers.

The advisory issued states that hygiene management during periods is extremely important for any girl and it should not come in the way of her academic performance.

Advisory issued to all schools of states and union territories
This advisory has been issued to all the schools of the states and union territories, Central Board of Secondary Education, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

3 instructions given to schools –

Provision of sanitary pads:
Sanitary pads must be made available at all 10th and 12th board examination centres. If needed, free pads should be given to girls during their exams.

Restroom Break:
Girls should get breaks whenever they need them during their periods. Restrooms should be arranged for them so that their focus is not disturbed during exams.

Awareness Programmes :
States and Union Territories should initiate educational programmes to raise awareness about period health and hygiene among students, teachers and employees. This approach aims to reduce misconceptions about periods and develop a better understanding.