Policy on menstrual hygiene products distribution at advanced stage: Govt

The national policy on distribution of menstrual hygiene products to adolescent school-going girls is at an advanced stage of formulation, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Monday.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala took note of the submissions of Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, and allowed her plea for grant of two more months for framing of the policy.

The top court was hearing a plea of Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur seeking directions to the Centre and the states to provide free sanitary pads to girl students of class 6-12 and ensure separate female toilet facilities in all government-aided and residential schools.

The framing of the national policy on the issue is at an advanced stage and two more months' time may be granted, theG said.

"We will keep this matter on the first Monday of September month," the bench said.

The plea highlighted the difficulties faced by adolesc