Punjab govt launches menstrual health curriculum for 3.4 lakh students
Chandigarh, May 28
The Punjab government on Thursday launched one of India's largest school-based menstrual health education initiatives for adolescent girls studying in government schools across the state.
On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the government announced the phased statewide expansion of the "Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum" across government high and senior secondary schools in all 23 districts.
The first session of the curriculum is set to be conducted across these government schools on Friday.
This initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 3.4 lakh girl students from Classes VI to X studying in over 3,600 government schools, a government statement said.
The initiative reflects the government's growing focus on creating a modern and inclusive public education system where girls are empowered with awareness, confidence, dignity, and access to accurate health information.
By taking menstrual health education into classrooms on such a large scale, the government has attempted to address an issue that has traditionally remained surrounded by silence, hesitation, myths, and social stigma.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that menstruation never becomes a barrier to girls' education, confidence, participation, or well-being in school life.
The programme aligns with the spirit of the Supreme Court's observations, recognising that menstrual health and hygiene are directly linked to dignity, education, and equality for adolescent girls.
The government launched the programme in collaboration with an international non-profit organisation working globally on menstrual health education and awareness.
Under the initiative, specially designed classroom sessions will be conducted through a structured curriculum called the Menstrual Hygiene Curriculum, which has been developed in Punjabi to ensure students can connect with the content in a relatable and comfortable manner.
The sessions will be conducted through interactive storytelling centred around the guide's main character, Ruby, 10, along with guided classroom discussions and participatory activities to make learning engaging, relatable, and safe for students.
The sessions focus on helping students understand menstruation and bodily changes, strengthen hygiene and self-care practices, build confidence and self-esteem, and create supportive school and peer environments.
To ensure effective implementation across Punjab, around 7,200 teachers have already been trained by the government to facilitate these sessions sensitively and confidently inside classrooms.
The programme follows a structured three-session intervention model that includes story-based learning and age-appropriate menstrual health education.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, some real action on menstrual health! I've read many reports about girls missing school during their periods due to lack of awareness and facilities. This Punjab initiative addressing the root cause through education is commendable. 7,200 teachers trained is no small feat. The focus on confidence and self-esteem is what sets this apart from just a hygiene lecture. Well done, Punjab!
As a teacher in a government school in Punjab, I'm really excited about this! We recently completed the training program and it's very well-designed. The interactive storytelling and participatory activities are perfect for breaking the ice with students. My only concern is about follow-up - hope the government provides ongoing support and not just a one-time session. We need to normalize these conversations in classrooms throughout the year.
Good initiative but I wish they had included boys in this too. Period poverty and stigma won't end if only girls know about it. We need to educate everyone - including brothers, fathers, and male teachers - about menstruation so that women are supported, not shamed. Still, this is a great start. Punjab is taking the lead where many states still shy away. 👌
My niece studies in a government school in Ludhiana and she's been looking forward to this session! It's heartbreaking how many young girls still believe in myths like not entering the kitchen or touching pickles during periods. This curriculum will clear those misconceptions. The Punjabi language adaptation is very thoughtful - rural students will connect with it much better than English content. Proud of Punjab on this Menstrual Hygiene Day!
J Jennifer L