PROVIDING SEPARATE TOILETS AND SANITARY NAPKINS TO ADOLESCENT GIRLS ARE INSTANCES OF EMPOWERMENT OF GIRL CHILD - KARNATAKA HC

3rd April 2021.

The Karnataka HC directed the state government to file a status report by April 16th regarding the implementation of the Shuchi scheme while hearing a plea moved by the Anti Corruption Council of India in 2018 seeking strict implementation of the Shuchi Scheme. Under the Shuchi Scheme, sanitary napkins are distributed amongst adolescent girls studying in schools and staying in hostels between 10 - 19 years of age.

The bench noted that providing separate toilets and sanitary napkins to adolescent girls is not just an instance of empowerment of girl children but also a step towards implementing Article 21 A. The bench also appreciated the state government scheme as it extended the scheme for 10 to 19 years and not just till 14 years.

During the hearing, the bench was informed by a survey report by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) that out of 889 schools in the State, only 63 % of schools had separate toilets for girls, out of which 82 % are functional, and 32 % doesn't have separate toilets.

Accordingly, the Bench directed KSLS to make available the address of 889 schools to consider whether the state government has taken steps to provide infrastructure facilities in those 889 schools. The matter will be next heard on the 16th of April.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal