Ensure provisions for sanitary facility, UGC tells Higher Education Institutions

Establishing a supportive environment is crucial to ensure women have access to safe, hygienic, and affordable menstrual products. This empowerment allows them to engage in social, educational, and economic activities without facing obstacles or stigma. Integrating sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators into public facilities enhances menstrual hygiene by providing easy and convenient access to essential products.

Hence, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure provisions for sanitary facility at conspicuous locations in their institutions.

What UGC Said In Its Notice?

Menstruation is a natural phenomenon in the life cycle of adolescent girls and women. It is imperative to create a supportive ecosystem to ensure that women have easy access to safe, clean and affordable menstrual products so that they can fully participate in social, educational and economic activities without encountering barriers or stigma.

As per UGC, access to sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in public infrastructure promotes menstrual hygiene by offering convenient access to sanitary pads, especially in areas where availability might be otherwise limited. 

Providing such easy access empowers women to manage their menstruation with dignity and reduces the stigma associated with it. They can participate fully in both public and private spaces. Additionally, the installation of incinerators ensures the safe disposal of used sanitary products, addressing environmental concerns and preventing health hazards from improper disposal practices, the UGC letter read.