CM Rekha Gupta Holds Virtual Meeting With Principals on Menstrual Hygiene Day

Directions issued to ensure clean toilets, medical rooms and vending machines in schools

Chief Minister stresses the need for a safe, sensitive and confidence-building environment for girls

Delhi Government committed to making schools safer and more sensitive: Education Minister Ashish Sood

New Delhi, May 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Thursday interacted directly with principals of Delhi government schools and officials of the Education Department through a video conference on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day. During the meeting, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions on the health, hygiene, mental empowerment and overall well-being of girl students, while assigning several key responsibilities to school principals.

The important meeting, held at the Jan Seva Sadan, was also attended by Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, Director of Education Ms. Vedita Reddy and several senior officials of the department. The Chief Minister said that when daughters attend school and go through a natural biological process, the role of teachers and principals extends beyond administration and becomes that of guardians as well. She noted that many girls feel uncomfortable during these days, are unable to attend school regularly and often lose focus on studies. At such times, she said, they need empathy, trust and emotional support.

The Chief Minister asked principals to ensure that students understand menstruation is a completely normal process and that there should be no fear or hesitation associated with it. She stressed the need to create an environment in schools where girls can openly share their concerns and receive support to overcome mental stress. Expressing concern over the condition of toilet blocks in some schools, she said complaints had been received regarding poor sanitation and damaged facilities. She directed that all school toilets be kept clean, that broken doors and other damaged infrastructure be repaired promptly, and that school funds or coordination with concerned officials be used to resolve such issues without delay.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced several major policy decisions under the ‘Menstrual Health Matters’ campaign. As part of the initiative, a special advisory will be issued to ensure regular maintenance and timely refilling of sanitary pad vending machines installed in government schools, government offices, public toilets and Arogya Mandirs. The entire system is now being centralised to ensure that every girl in Delhi has access to high-quality biodegradable sanitary pads. The government, she said, will focus on providing safe, hygienic and quality-tested sanitary products.

In addition, large-scale awareness programmes will be conducted across Delhi through ASHA and Anganwadi workers so that accurate information related to menstrual health reaches every household. To further strengthen awareness at the school level, menstrual health education for Classes 6 to 9 will be made more robust and effective in the curriculum.

Awareness on Adolescent Health and Cervical Cancer

Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said girls would also be made aware of important health issues beyond menstruation, including PCOS, anaemia, cervical cancer, menopause and HPV vaccination. Regular health sessions will be organised at Arogya Mandirs, where doctors and trained staff will interact directly with women and girl students. She asked principals to ensure that parental consent is obtained before administering the HPV vaccine and that parents are informed about its importance. She further said that after schools reopen, the government will provide free bicycles to girl students, and during this process, parents should also be encouraged to opt for HPV vaccination for their daughters.

Speaking about cervical cancer, the Chief Minister said it is among the most common cancers affecting women, but can largely be prevented through timely awareness and vaccination. Increasing awareness about HPV vaccination, she said, is the need of the hour and acts as an important protective shield for the safe future of daughters. The Chief Minister said a healthy and confident daughter is the foundation of a strong society. She added that Delhi can truly become developed and empowered only when girls move forward without fear, hesitation or discomfort. She expressed confidence that Delhi would emerge as a model for the entire country in the field of menstrual health awareness and women’s dignity.

On the occasion, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood said menstrual health is not merely a health issue, but also one linked to dignity, awareness and self-confidence. He said it is the responsibility of the Education Department to continue awareness campaigns in schools on a subject that has traditionally received limited public discussion. He also recalled that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had raised the issue during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort and remains deeply conscious of the matter.

The Education Minister said the role of schools is not limited to imparting education, but also includes creating a safe, sensitive and supportive environment for children. Through this campaign, the Delhi Government is ensuring that every girl student receives the right information, clean facilities and timely health support. He added that awareness programmes through ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with strengthened menstrual health education in schools, would help bring positive social change on the issue.

The Education Minister thanked the Chief Minister for taking time out to hold a meeting on such a sensitive issue despite her busy schedule. He said the Delhi Government has resolved to make schools safer and more sensitive spaces for students. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the support of the Chief Minister, he said, the government will establish new benchmarks in the field of education. The aim, he added, is to create an environment where no girl feels fear, shame or discomfort during periods and can pursue her dreams with complete confidence.