Delhi govt to roll out hygiene, menstrual health, infrastructure upgrades in schools; toll-free grievance line soon
New Delhi, May 28
The Delhi government on Thursday announced a series of major initiatives aimed at improving health, hygiene, sanitation, and infrastructure facilities in schools across the national capital.
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the government said it will roll out comprehensive measures, including sanitation upgrades, menstrual health support systems, vaccination data mapping, and infrastructure strengthening in all schools.
As part of the initiative, the government will ensure clean and well-maintained toilets across schools and conduct regular hygiene awareness programmes along with menstrual awareness campaigns for both boys and girls.
The statement further said that medical rooms and "Menstruation Corners" will be set up in all schools, where sanitary napkins, undergarments, and other essential supplies will be made available. The process of installing sanitary napkin vending machines in school washrooms will also be expedited.
On health-related interventions, the government will collect school-wise data on HPV vaccination and ensure participation of students from government schools in the "Hauslon Ki Udaan" (Flight of Aspirations) programme.
To strengthen grievance redressal, a toll-free number will soon be launched to enable students and parents to directly share complaints and suggestions with the government. The number will be prominently displayed on school walls and gates, the CMO said.
In addition, the Delhi government will install RO water coolers in all schools. A large-scale tree plantation drive will also be conducted from June 5 to August, alongside efforts to whitewash school buildings and improve basic infrastructure facilities.
The CMO said these measures are aimed at creating a healthier, safer, and more supportive learning environment for students across Delhi schools.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiatives, but how many times have we seen glossy press releases and then nothing on the ground? The toll-free grievance line is a great idea, but will parents and students actually use it? In our experience, fear of teachers or school staff keeps complaints within the school premises. Let's see if the government empowers the helpline with real authority to act.
The "Hauslon Ki Udaan" programme sounds wonderful! For a generation that faces so much pressure, having a platform to talk about aspirations is crucial. And the tree plantation drive from June 5 to August is perfect timing with the monsoon. Just hope the saplings are properly cared for after planting, and not just numbers on a report.
Point 1: Menstrual corners with undergarments? That's a very specific and important need many girls have. Big thumbs up. Point 2: HPV vaccination data mapping is smart, but the government must also tackle vaccine hesitancy among parents who think it's "unnecessary." Please have awareness drives for parents too. 🙏
Clean toilets, RO water coolers, whitewashing, and tree plantation—these are basic necessities, not luxuries. It's sad that in 2024 we still need a government announcement for these things. But at least the intention is there. I just hope the implementation is strict and there are regular inspections by the CMO, not just one-time visits.
As a teacher, let me say this: Menstruation awareness for *
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