Bareilly School Denies Sanitary Pad to Period-Stricken Student, Sparks Outrage

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, January 29, 2025: A shocking incident in Bareilly has drawn widespread condemnation after a 16-year-old Class 11 student was denied a sanitary pad by her school principal when she got her period during an exam. The student, who was already experiencing the distress of menstruation, was made to wait outside the school premises for over an hour, bleeding through her clothes. When no help was provided, she was eventually sent home.

The incident, which has left the student traumatized, took place at a local school in Bareilly, where the student had been attending her board exams. Despite the obvious physical discomfort the young girl was enduring, the principal refused to provide the sanitary pad, claiming she was busy with urgent matters at the time.

According to the student's family, the young girl, after being denied a pad, was not given any alternative assistance and had to endure the humiliation of sitting outside the school for an extended period. Eventually, she was sent home in a state of distress, with her clothes stained, adding to the emotional toll she experienced.

The family, outraged by the incident, has filed a formal complaint with local authorities, demanding strict action against the school administration for their neglect. The district inspector of schools has initiated an investigation into the matter, stating that the case will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate actions will be taken.

The school's acting principal, when approached for comment, stated that she was preoccupied with urgent administrative tasks and was unable to assist the student immediately. However, this explanation has not alleviated the concerns of the family and the public, who feel that a basic necessity like a sanitary pad should have been provided without delay.

The incident has sparked outrage on social media and among local activists, with many calling for better awareness and facilities for menstruating students in schools. Advocates for women’s rights have demanded that the school administration be held accountable for their lack of empathy and professionalism.

This incident raises serious questions about how schools in the country handle menstruation-related issues, highlighting the need for more sensitive and responsive school policies that support the health and dignity of all students.