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Gehlot Hails SC Ruling on Menstrual Health as a Victory for Rajasthan's Udaan Yojana

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling declaring menstrual health a fundamental right. He stated the verdict validates his previous government's 'Udaan Yojana', which made Rajasthan the first state to provide free sanitary napkins. The Supreme Court directed all schools in India to provide free, high-quality sanitary pads to girls. The bench emphasized the ruling's importance for protecting the vulnerable and advancing women's empowerment.

Key Points: SC Declares Menstrual Health a Right, Gehlot Cites Rajasthan Scheme

  • SC declares menstrual health a fundamental right
  • Free sanitary pads mandated in all schools
  • Gehlot links verdict to Rajasthan's Udaan Yojana
  • Scheme made Rajasthan first to provide free napkins
  • Ruling seen as a step for women's empowerment
2 min read

Gehlot welcomes Supreme Court ruling on Menstrual Health, highlights 'Udaan Yojana'

Ashok Gehlot welcomes Supreme Court's landmark verdict on menstrual health as a fundamental right, linking it to Rajasthan's free sanitary pad scheme.

"This ruling will prove to be a milestone in the direction of women's empowerment. - Ashok Gehlot"

Jaipur, January 30

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's landmark ruling declaring menstrual health a fundamental right, saying the verdict reflects the vision of initiatives taken by the previous Congress government in the state.

Taking to social media platform X, Gehlot said, "I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court's declaration of menstrual health as a 'fundamental right' and its order for the distribution of free sanitary pads in schools. We are proud that our previous Congress government, prioritising the health and dignity of the daughters of the state, had launched the 'Udaan Yojana' (I Am Shakti Udaan Scheme)."

He further said, "Under this scheme, Rajasthan became the first state in the country to take the historic step of providing free sanitary napkins to every eligible woman and girl student. Today's decision by the court is a victory for that very thought and vision of ours."

Calling the verdict a step towards women's empowerment, Gehlot added, "This ruling will prove to be a milestone in the direction of women's empowerment. I hope that the Central Government will also implement a scheme on the lines of Rajasthan to provide sanitary napkins not just to girls but to all women across the entire country."

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court has held that the right to menstrual health and hygiene forms part of the Right to Life under Article 21 and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education under Article 21A of the Constitution.

The apex court directed that all schools across India, whether private or government, in urban and rural areas, must provide free biodegradable sanitary napkins of the highest safety and hygiene standards to girls.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan also noted that authorities must ensure the establishment of menstrual hygiene management facilities in schools. The court said directions regarding the disposal of sanitary waste have been issued in its detailed judgment, which is yet to be uploaded on the website.

Justice Pardiwala observed, "Before parting with the issue, we want to say that this pronouncement is not just for stakeholders of the legal system. It is also meant for classrooms where girls hesitate to ask for help. It is for teachers who want to help but are unable to due to resource constraints...Progress is measured by how we protect the vulnerable."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A landmark verdict indeed. While it's good that Gehlot ji is highlighting his government's scheme, the focus should now be on nationwide execution. The central government must launch a pan-India scheme without delay. This is about dignity and health, not politics.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs in rural India, I can't stress how crucial this is. Free pads are one part, but the court's emphasis on facilities and disposal is key. Breaking the taboo starts in the classroom. Justice Pardiwala's words are powerful.
A
Aman W
Good step by SC. But the real challenge is on the ground. In my village, even if pads are provided, will there be clean toilets and water to use them? Will teachers be sensitized? The order must include strict monitoring mechanisms.
K
Kavya N
Finally! This is a fundamental right. So many girls drop out of school because of this. Udaan Yojana was a great initiative, and now with the Supreme Court's backing, no state can ignore this issue. Empowerment begins with such basic assurances. 🙌
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the verdict is perfect, turning it into a political credit-taking exercise diminishes its importance. The Congress did good work in Rajasthan, yes. But today, all governments—central and state—must unite to implement this, regardless of party lines. The goal is common.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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