New Sanitation and Health Scheme 2024 under the Samagra Shiksha Programme

Policy Update
Nandini Arya

Background

The Samagra Shiksha programme, designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to school education in India, has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of a new sanitation and health scheme. In recent years, India has increasingly recognized the critical role of sanitation and health in education, particularly for adolescent girls. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) has emerged as a key focus, with government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the National Health Mission also working to address these challenges. Such schemes aim to reduce gender disparities in education by ensuring girls’ health needs are met, enabling them to continue their education without interruption.

This scheme is particularly focused on improving menstrual health management (MHM) among adolescent girls in schools. It underscores the programme’s broader mission of ensuring that every child has access not only to quality education but also to essential health services, which are vital for their overall development.

Functioning

The new sanitation and health scheme addresses both infrastructural and educational aspects of menstrual health. It involves the construction and maintenance of hygienic, girl-friendly toilets in schools, the provision of sanitary napkins, and the installation of incinerators for the safe disposal of menstrual waste.

In addition to infrastructure, the scheme places a strong emphasis on health education. Schools are tasked with educating girls about menstrual hygiene and related health practices. Teachers and staff receive training to handle MHM topics sensitively, fostering an environment where girls can discuss menstruation openly and without stigma.

Performance

In Madhya Pradesh, a related initiative has been introduced alongside this scheme—a cash transfer programme aimed at supporting menstrual health. Recently, ₹57.18 crore was transferred into the accounts of 19 lakh school-going girls in the state, as highlighted by UNICEF India on its X account. This financial support is intended to help girls purchase necessary menstrual hygiene products.

The scheme has already begun to show promise in states where it has been implemented, with Madhya Pradesh standing out as a key example. The state’s Chief Minister has received praise from UNICEF for his efforts in promoting menstrual health among adolescents. This initiative goes beyond providing sanitary facilities; it also integrates menstrual health education into the school curriculum, ensuring that girls receive accurate and consistent information.

The response from students and parents in Madhya Pradesh has been overwhelmingly positive. Notably, there has been an increase in attendance rates among adolescent girls, suggesting that the availability of MHM resources, along with financial assistance from the cash transfer scheme, is directly contributing to better educational outcomes. Additionally, the scheme is creating a more supportive environment where menstrual health is discussed openly, helping to break down long standing taboos.

Impact

The introduction of this scheme is expected to have a profound impact on the educational and health outcomes of adolescent girls in India. By tackling the barriers related to menstruation, such as the lack of sanitation facilities and menstrual hygiene products, the scheme is likely to reduce absenteeism and dropout rates among girls, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Furthermore, the scheme supports the broader goals of gender equity in education by ensuring that girls have the necessary resources to manage their menstrual health without disruption. The improved sanitation infrastructure will also enhance the overall school environment, promoting hygiene and reducing the spread of water-borne diseases.

The cash transfer initiative in Madhya Pradesh is a crucial component, empowering girls with the financial means to maintain their menstrual hygiene, which in turn supports their continued education.

Emerging Issues

Despite the positive developments, several challenges remain that need to be addressed to ensure the scheme’s long-term success. Ensuring a consistent supply of sanitary products and maintaining the hygiene of the facilities are primary concerns. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing training for teachers and school staff to ensure that MHM topics are handled effectively and sensitively.

Scaling this initiative to all states is another critical challenge. The success seen in Madhya Pradesh needs to be replicated across the country, which will require not only adequate funding but also strong commitment from state governments to prioritize menstrual health as part of the broader educational agenda.

Managing the cash transfer scheme effectively also presents challenges, such as ensuring that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries and are used for their intended purpose.

Way Forward

To maximize the potential of the new sanitation and health scheme, a comprehensive approach is essential. This includes the implementation of continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the scheme’s impact on girls’ education and health. Collaborations with NGOs and international organizations like UNICEF can provide valuable resources and expertise to address any gaps in implementation.

Community engagement is also crucial. By involving parents, local leaders, and the broader community in the process, a more supportive environment can be created. This approach will help reduce the stigma around menstruation, enabling girls to thrive both academically and personally.

Additionally, integrating a process of self-analysis within the scheme’s framework will be beneficial. Schools and local authorities should regularly assess the effectiveness of their initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and adapt their strategies accordingly. This self-analysis could involve collecting feedback from students, teachers, and parents, as well as analyzing data on school attendance and academic performance. By continually reflecting on their practices, stakeholders can ensure that the scheme remains responsive to the needs of the girls it is designed to support.

The success of this scheme, especially with the integration of the cash transfer initiative, could serve as a model for other states and countries. It highlights the critical link between sanitation, health, and education in empowering the next generation of women leaders. Regular self-analysis and adaptability will be key to sustaining and expanding this success.

References

About the Contributor- Nandini Arya is a Research Intern at IMPRI with a background in Government Administration, having graduated with a BA (Hons) from MIT-WPU, Pune. She is set to begin her Master’s in Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London.

Acknowledgement- The author would like to thank Mukti, Shubhika Rathi and Aasthaba Jadeja for reviewing their article.

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