In a step towards improving menstrual hygiene, the Punjab Government has identified 942 rural senior secondary schools for the installation of sanitary waste incinerators under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).Officials said a total of 1,098 incinerators would be installed in the schools to ensure safe and scientific disposal of sanitary waste. The initiative follows the January 30 judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Dr Jaya Thakur versus Union of India and Others, which stressed the need for menstrual hygiene education, awareness and better facilities in educational institutions.As part of the implementation process, the School Education Department has also directed schools to constitute “Pink Societies” to promote awareness about menstrual hygiene and break social taboos associated with menstruation. According to official instructions, these societies will be headed by the school principal and will include teachers and student representatives. They will organise awareness sessions, workshops, interactive discussions and activities on occasions such as Menstrual Hygiene Day. The societies will also coordinate with school management committees and Health Department to improve menstrual hygiene practices in schools.Administrative Secretary, School Education Department, Sonali Giri, said the government had prepared a list of 942 rural senior secondary schools where incinerators would be installed in a phased manner.“Providing proper menstrual hygiene facilities in schools is essential for ensuring dignity, health and confidence among adolescent girls. Along with infrastructure, we are focusing on awareness and behavioural change so that students can openly discuss menstrual health issues and adopt safe practices. The Pink Societies will play an important role in achieving these objectives,” she said.Officials pointed out that Punjab already has around 600 functional sanitary waste incinerators in schools. However, they acknowledged that maintenance had been a challenge in the past. Nearly 3,000 incinerators installed earlier across the state had gradually become non-functional due to inadequate upkeep and lack of monitoring.Learning from that experience, the government has undertaken intensive training programmes and established a system of continuous feedback from students and school authorities to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the facilities.“This time, the focus is not merely on installation but on effective utilisation. We want maximum coverage so that every girl student who needs the facility can use it confidently and safely,” an official said.