Introduction
Menstrual Support Through Public Distribution System: The Madras High Court issued a direction to the Tamil Nadu Government after a PIL demanded the distribution of sanitary pads through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The plea highlights that many women in India still struggle to access hygienic menstrual products due to financial limitations.
Understanding Period Poverty
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary products and menstrual hygiene facilities. Many women are forced to use unhygienic materials such as rags, tissues, newspapers, or leaves. This can lead to infections and long-term health issues.
Static GK fact: Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28 every year to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene.
PIL Proposal
The petition requests that at least 25 disposable sanitary pads per month be provided to every family through ration shops. The aim is to treat menstrual hygiene products as basic necessities, similar to food grains and essentials under PDS.
Implementing this demand would bring disposable pads within the reach of economically weaker women and girls, including those living in rural and tribal regions.
Why PDS Is Seen as an Effective Channel
The PDS network reaches millions of low-income households across India. Fair price shops are well-distributed even in remote habitations. Adding menstrual supplies to the PDS list could ensure both affordability and availability.
Static GK fact: India has over 5 lakh fair price shops, one of the world’s largest distribution networks.
Current Status in Tamil Nadu
Currently, Tamil Nadu does not distribute sanitary pads through ration shops as part of any official scheme. However, several women-centric programs in the state have targeted menstrual hygiene awareness and affordable supply.
Small-scale district initiatives involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) already produce low-cost pads. Expanding such models under government support can strengthen local manufacturing and employment.
Social and Health Significance
Ensuring access to safe menstrual supplies improves the:
- Health and dignity of women and girls
- School attendance among adolescent girls
- Workforce participation for women in informal sectors
Lack of hygienic products contributes to reproductive tract infections, absenteeism in schools, and social isolation stemming from stigma.
Static GK Tip: The Government of India runs the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme to promote awareness among adolescent girls in rural areas.
Challenges to Address
- Storage and safe disposal mechanisms at ration shops
- Continuous procurement and quality assurance
- Budget expansion to include non-food essentials
- Breaking cultural stigma through education and campaigns
Policy experts suggest phased rollouts and pilot districts for testing logistics before statewide implementation.
Way Forward
The Court’s directive has drawn attention to menstrual equity. Introducing sanitary pads in PDS could become a historic step to fight period poverty. Ensuring women can access essentials without discrimination aligns with broader public health, gender equality, and human rights goals.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Menstrual Support Through Public Distribution System:
| Topic | Detail |
| Court involved | Madras High Court |
| Scheme requested | Supply of disposable sanitary pads via PDS |
| Key demand quantity | 25 pads per month for each family |
| Beneficiary focus | Women and adolescent girls facing period poverty |
| Current TN status | No sanitary pads distributed through ration shops yet |
| Potential suppliers | Women’s Self-Help Groups producing low-cost pads |
| Public health relevance | Reduces infections and absenteeism |
| Key challenge | Logistics, funding, and awareness expansion |
