UP School Controversy: Class 11 Student Punished After Asking For Sanitary Pad During Exam, Inquiry Launched

Class 11 Student Allegedly Punished For Requesting A Sanitary Pad In UP

A class 11 student got her period during an exam and asked for a sanitary pad, but the school didn’t help her. Instead, she was made to stand outside the headmistress’s office for an hour.This happened on January 25, 2025, when the student, who had started her menstrual cycle during the exam, reached out to the principal for help. Instead of being assisted, she was reportedly ignored and subjected to ill-treatment. The incident has caused outrage, and an investigation is now underway.

Complaint Lodged By The Girl's Father

The girl’s father filed a complaint, stating his daughter attended school to sit for her exam, but upon realising she had started her period, she requested a sanitary pad from the principal. According to the complaint, she was told to leave the classroom and stand outside for almost an hour. The student's mother expressed, “Our child suffered mental humiliation owing to the incident. The guilty teachers must be punished.”

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The girl’s father has submitted a written complaint to the District Magistrate, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), the Department of Women Welfare, and the State Women’s Commission. The DIOS, Devki Nandan, confirmed, “The matter is being investigated, and action will be taken based on the findings,” according to the PTI report.

Union Ministry Of Education's Advisory For Restroom Breaks And Free Sanitary Napkins For Girl Students

Last year, the Union Ministry of Education issued guidelines urging that girl students be given the necessary restroom breaks whenever needed during their board exams for classes 10 and 12. Additionally, the advisory recommended that free sanitary napkins be made available at all examination centres to ensure students' comfort and well-being.

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The Union Ministry of Education stated, “Free sanitary pads to be readily available at all class 10 and 12 board examination centres, ensuring girls have access to essential hygiene products during exams, if required. Female students are to be permitted to take necessary restroom breaks to address menstrual needs, alleviating discomfort and promoting focus during exams.” It further added, “Educational programmes will be implemented to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among students, teachers, and staff. This approach aims to reduce stigma and foster a more understanding school environment.”

The advisory applies to schools everywhere, including those in different states and Union Territories, as well as those under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).

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Image credit: Freepik