New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday interacted with government school principals and Education Department officials on the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, vowing to make institutions safer and more sensitive for girls.

During the virtual interaction, the Chief Minister announced several major policy decisions under the ‘Menstrual Health Matters’ campaign, said a statement.

“As part of the initiative, a special advisory will be issued to ensure regular maintenance and timely refilling of sanitary pad vending machines installed in government schools, government offices, public toilets and Arogya Mandirs,” she said during the meeting held through a video conference.

The entire system is now being centralised to ensure that every girl in Delhi has access to high-quality biodegradable sanitary pads. The government, she said, will focus on providing safe, hygienic and quality-tested sanitary products.

In addition, large-scale awareness programmes will be conducted across Delhi through ASHA and Anganwadi workers so that accurate information related to menstrual health reaches every household, she said.

To strengthen awareness at the school level, menstrual health education for Classes 6 to 9 will be made more robust and effective in the curriculum, said a statement.

She stressed the need to create an environment in schools where girls can openly share their concerns and receive support to overcome mental stress.

Expressing concern over the condition of toilet blocks in some schools, she said complaints had been received regarding poor sanitation and damaged facilities.

She directed that all school toilets be kept clean, that broken doors and other damaged infrastructure be repaired promptly, and that school funds or coordination with concerned officials be used to resolve such issues without delay.

Chief Minister Gupta said girls would also be made aware of important health issues beyond menstruation, including PCOS, anaemia, cervical cancer, menopause and HPV vaccination. Regular health sessions will be organised at Arogya Mandirs, where doctors and trained staff will interact directly with women and girl students.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said menstrual health is not merely a health issue, but also one linked to dignity, awareness and self-confidence.

He said it is the responsibility of the Education Department to continue awareness campaigns in schools on a subject that has traditionally received limited public discussion.

He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort and remains deeply conscious of the matter.

–IANS

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