"Providing separate toilets, sanitary napkins for girl children in schools, a sign of women empowerment": Karnataka HC

63 percent of the 889 schools in the state have separate toilets for students 

In a case calling for strict enforcement of the Suruchi Scheme, the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) submitted a survey report before the Karnataka High Court on Thursday. The survey conducted in association with the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in 2019 points out to the fact that 63 percent of the 889 schools in the state have separate toilets for students, out of which 82 percent are operational.

What is the Suchi Scheme all about?

The Shuchi scheme was launched by the central government in 2013 to help adolescent girls maintain hygiene and infection-free through the distribution of sanitary napkins to teenage girls aged 10 to 19 who are enrolled in schools or living in hostels. The program benefits a total of 17,06,933 teenage girls in the state.

Petitioners seek a better infrastructure in schools, especially in rural areas of the state

The writ petition filed by the Anti Corruption Council of India back in 2018 asked the respondents to provide sufficient resources and services like sanitary infrastructure, electricity, mid-day meals to pupils, teachers, and staff in government-aided schools.

State Government direocted to file progress report on the implementation of the scheme

The Bench directed the State government to file a progress report on the scheme's implementation. It also sought information on the status of administrative approvals for procurement of sanitary pads for the fiscal year 2021-22. It is pertinent to point out that the istate government had stopped the fund allocation towards the implementation of the scheme last year. A decision Dwas taken by the state health ministry to save funds so that necessary arrangements can be made to fight the pandemic

The next date for the matter is on 16 April.