UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Menstrual health in schools is integral to right to life: SC
Q1. In which classes are girls covered by the Centre's 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls', whose nationwide implementation was directed by the Supreme Court in January 2026?
- A. Classes 1 to 5
- B. Classes 6 to 12
- C. Classes 8 to 10
- D. Classes 9 to 12
Q2. With reference to the Centre's 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls' that the Supreme Court directed to be implemented nationwide in January 2026, consider the following:
1. The policy was framed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. The policy was formulated in coordination with the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
3. The policy was formulated in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
4. The policy was framed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as the nodal ministry.
Which of the above is/are correctly identified?
- The policy was framed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- The policy was formulated in coordination with the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- The policy was formulated in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
- The policy was framed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as the nodal ministry.
- A. 1, 2 and 3 only
- B. 2 and 4 only
- C. 1 and 4 only
- D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q3. Which constitutional provision was identified as the primary basis by the Supreme Court in its January 2026 ruling that menstrual health in schools is a fundamental right?
- A. Article 14 – Right to Equality
- B. Article 19 – Right to Freedom
- C. Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
- D. Article 21A – Right to Education
Q4. In the context of the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) under the National Health Mission, the brand 'Freedays' refers to:
- A. Subsidised sanitary napkins distributed to adolescent girls through ASHAs
- B. Menstrual leave entitlement for women employees in central government
- C. A mobile application for tracking menstrual cycles launched by MoHFW
- D. Biodegradable napkins sold through Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras
Q5. With reference to the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS, 2011) under the NHM and the 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls' whose nationwide rollout the Supreme Court directed in January 2026, consider the following statements:
1. The MHS targets adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years, while the Policy directed for nationwide implementation covers school-going girls of Classes 6 to 12.
2. Both the MHS and the Policy are implemented exclusively in rural areas of the country.
3. Under the MHS, ASHAs distribute subsidised napkin packs, whereas the Policy directs free provision of menstrual hygiene products in schools.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The MHS targets adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years, while the Policy directed for nationwide implementation covers school-going girls of Classes 6 to 12.
- Both the MHS and the Policy are implemented exclusively in rural areas of the country.
- Under the MHS, ASHAs distribute subsidised napkin packs, whereas the Policy directs free provision of menstrual hygiene products in schools.
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 3 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3