Menstrual Hygiene Management National Guidelines December 2015

About Dataset

The Menstrual Hygiene Management National Guidelines were issued in December 2015 by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India. The guidelines recognise menstrual hygiene management as an integral part of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen and provide a framework for supporting adolescent girls and women. The document explains that menstruation is a normal biological process but may be surrounded by embarrassment, stigma and inadequate information. It therefore emphasises access to knowledge, safe menstrual absorbents, water and sanitation infrastructure, supportive social environments and safe disposal of used menstrual absorbents. The framework defines the key elements of effective menstrual hygiene management. These include awareness and information, access to safe and affordable menstrual absorbents, adequate water and sanitation facilities, privacy, washing facilities, soap and safe disposal mechanisms. The guidelines establish responsibilities for State governments, district administrations, public health engineers, school head teachers and teachers. They also describe the roles of departments responsible for drinking water and sanitation, rural development, tribal development, health and family welfare, education and women and child development. Convergence among departments and schemes is presented as essential for creating supportive environments for girls and women. The document provides detailed guidance for orientation and capacity building at State, District, Block and school levels. State governments are expected to enable districts to plan, cost, implement and monitor MHM interventions and develop appropriate State-level guidelines and district plans. District administrations are expected to coordinate line departments, identify resource persons and support training. Schools are expected to sensitise teachers and students, provide appropriate WASH facilities, ensure water and soap, support hygienic management and establish supportive mechanisms for girls. The guidelines also discuss working with adolescent boys, male teachers, parents, community leaders, civil society organisations and self-help groups to challenge myths and promote respectful attitudes. A further section focuses on safe disposal and infrastructure. Schools should have appropriate arrangements for collection and disposal of used menstrual absorbents, and technical solutions may include suitable disposal systems. IEC materials should use local languages and culturally appropriate messages covering menstruation, hygiene, myths, nutrition, pain management, cleaning, drying and disposal of menstrual materials. Monitoring indicators include training coverage, school toilet functionality, MHM education, focal teachers, adolescent platforms, disposal facilities and availability of sanitary napkins. Overall, the guidelines provide an inter-sectoral framework for integrating menstrual hygiene into sanitation, education and health programmes and for ensuring that adolescent girls and women can manage menstruation safely, hygienically and with dignity. The document is intended to support consistent interpretation, coordinated implementation and accountable programme management. Its provisions should be read together with the applicable programme guidelines, financial instructions and subsequent approved amendments. The document provides an administrative reference for the concerned authorities and implementation agencies. It helps maintain clarity in planning, execution, monitoring, coordination and reporting. The provisions described in the document are intended to be considered within the applicable programme framework and alongside relevant Government instructions. The material can support institutional understanding, implementation consistency, financial or operational planning where applicable, and documentation of programme processes.