DoSEL Initiates Measures to Support Menstrual Hygiene During Board Examinations

New Delhi: The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, has announced a series of proactive measures aimed at ensuring the health, dignity, and academic success of female students during the upcoming 10th and 12th Board Examinations. Recognizing the challenges faced by girls due to inadequate access to sanitary products and menstrual hygiene facilities during exams, the DoSEL has issued a comprehensive advisory to all schools across states/UTs, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).

Enhanced Support for Menstrual Hygiene

The initiative underscores the significance of menstrual hygiene management in fostering a conducive environment for female students during crucial examinations. The key measures introduced include:

1. Provision of Sanitary Products: Free sanitary pads will be readily available at all 10th and 12th Board examination centres. This ensures that girls have access to essential hygiene products during exams, addressing any urgent menstrual needs they may have.
2. Restroom Breaks: Female students will be permitted to take necessary restroom breaks as and when required to manage their menstrual health effectively. This initiative aims to alleviate discomfort and enable students to maintain focus and concentration during their examinations.
3. Sensitization and Awareness Programs: Educational programmes will be conducted by respective States/UTs/ABs to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among students, teachers, and staff members. These efforts aim to combat stigma, promote understanding, and create a supportive school environment.

Empowering Female Students

By prioritizing menstrual hygiene management during board examinations, the DoSEL emphasizes its commitment to treating female students with dignity and respect. These initiatives empower girls to participate confidently in examinations, without concerns about their menstrual health hindering their academic performance.

The proactive steps taken by DoSEL are aligned with its mission to ensure inclusive and supportive educational environments that cater to the holistic well-being of all students, especially girls. These measures are expected to enhance the overall experience of female students during board examinations and contribute to their academic success.