HC seeks ground-level report on implementation of menstrual hygiene schemes
22/09/2026
Jammu, Sep 21: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has sought a detailed affidavit on the ground-level implementation of menstrual hygiene schemes, including region-wise details of girl beneficiaries and the functioning of ASHA workers.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal passed the directions while hearing WP(C) PIL No. 36/2020, Court on its Own Motion versus Government of India through Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
During the hearing, Amicus Curiae DeepikaMahajan submitted that the High Court had issued detailed directions on December 8, 2020, concerning menstrual hygiene. She submitted that although several status and compliance reports and affidavits had subsequently been filed, the ground situation did not appear to have improved substantially.
Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, however, submitted that the situation on the ground had improved and that requisite steps were being taken in accordance with the scheme referred to in the latest compliance report.
The Division Bench observed that while the report contained details of the mechanism through which menstrual hygiene schemes were being implemented, it did not indicate their actual impact on ASHA workers, schools and the girl-child population.
The Court accordingly directed the Senior AAG to file a fresh affidavit after obtaining instructions from the concerned authorities. The affidavit is to contain region-wise facts and figures regarding implementation of the schemes, the number of girl children who have received benefits and the number of ASHA workers operating at the grassroots level.
The Bench also sought details regarding the functioning of ASHA workers during the preceding six months to enable the Court to assess the actual reach and implementation of the schemes referred to in the status report.
The Court further directed Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma to update his instructions and file an affidavit, with an advance copy to the Amicus Curiae.
DeepikaMahajan appeared as Amicus Curiae. Monika Kohli, Senior AAG, assisted by Malvika Gupta, and Vishal Sharma, DSGI, assisted by Karan Sharma, CGSC, appeared in the matter.
The case has been listed for further consideration on November 18, 2026.
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