UGC directs HEIs to ensure sanitary facilities on campus, improve menstrual hygiene

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive urging Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to provide sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators on their campuses. The move aims to promote menstrual hygiene and create a supportive environment for women in educational institutions.

The UGC emphasized that menstruation is a natural biological process for which access to menstrual products is essential for ensuring full participation of women in academic and social activities without stigma or barriers.

The UGC notice read, “It is imperative to create a supportive ecosystem to ensure that women have easy access to safe, clean and affordable menstrual products so that they can fully participate in social, educational and economic activities without encountering barriers or stigma.’’

Sanitary facilities in HEIs

According to the UGC notice, installing sanitary pad vending machines will enable students to access menstrual products conveniently, especially in areas where availability is limited.

The provision of incinerators will facilitate the safe disposal of used sanitary products , addressing environmental concerns and preventing health hazards. The UGC has asked HEIs to install these facilities at conspicuous locations across their campuses to ensure accessibility.

The UGC states, “Providing such easy access empowers women to manage their menstruation with dignity and reduces the stigma associated with it. Additionally, the installation of incinerators ensures the safe disposal of used sanitary products, addressing environmental concerns and preventing health hazards from improper disposal practices.”

Sanitary facility initiatives

The UGC has also requested institutions to submit details of the measures undertaken to enhance menstrual hygiene facilities. HEIs are required to share their initiatives through a Google form by March 25.

Applications for recognition to offer ODL courses

The UGC has invited applications from eligible HEIs seeking recognition to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes for the academic year 2025-26. Institutions are required to apply by April 3, 2025, as per UGC Regulations 2020 and its amendments.

Hard copies of the required documents are required to be submitted by April 15 to the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of the UGC. The UGC has clarified that approval is not guaranteed upon submission, as each application will be reviewed based on regulatory standards.

As per UGC guidelines, HEIs offering ODL and online programmes are required to disclose key information on their websites, including approval letters, course details, enrollment data, and academic schedules. However, disciplines such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and architecture are not permitted under ODL mode.