UP: Class 11 Girl Punished for Asking Sanitary Pad During Exam
A girl in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was punished for asking for a sanitary pad during her exam, highlighting ongoing issues with menstrual hygiene in Indian schools.
A shocking incident occurred in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where a Class 11 female student was reportedly punished after she asked for a sanitary pad during her examination on 26th January 2025. The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of menstruating girls in schools, despite ongoing efforts to provide better menstrual hygiene facilities.
The student arrived at the school to take her exam, only to realize that her period had started. She then approached the principal and requested a sanitary pad. Instead of assisting her, the principal allegedly asked the girl to leave the classroom and made her stand outside for nearly an hour, during which she was reportedly bleeding through her clothes, causing her further distress and humiliation.
The girl’s father, deeply upset by the incident, filed a complaint with several authorities, including the District Magistrate, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), the State Women’s Commission, and the Department of Women’s Welfare.
The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation was underway. The authorities have issued a warning to the school and its principal for the incident. However, no further details about strict actions against the school have been announced as of now.
This incident is shocking, especially after the Indian government’s efforts to improve menstrual hygiene in schools. Last year, the Union Ministry of Education issued an advisory that all female students should have access to free sanitary pads at examination centers, and be allowed breaks during board exams for restroom use. This advisory applied to schools across all states and Union Territories of India, including CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Despite these efforts, menstrual hygiene continues to be a problem in many parts of India. A study by the Sulabh Sanitation Mission Foundation, conducted between 2022 and 2023, revealed some disturbing statistics. The study surveyed over 6,400 women aged 20 to 49 across 14 Indian districts and found that many girls skip school during their periods due to a lack of proper toilets, clean water, soap, dustbins, and other basic sanitation facilities.
The study also highlighted that 91.7% of older women did not consult doctors for menstruation and menopause-related health issues because of the lack of female doctors. Even more shocking was the finding that 62.2% of women used cotton cloths instead of sanitary pads, often reusing them after washing with soap and drying them in hidden places.
These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in providing proper menstrual hygiene facilities and the need for better support, especially in rural areas. While there has been some progress, the stigma around menstruation and the lack of affordable healthcare for women continues to remain a significant issue.
This incident in Bareilly is a stark reminder that, even in the 21st century, many women and girls in India are still struggling to access basic menstrual hygiene products and healthcare, underscoring the need for continued awareness and action.
