Dhanbad: A Class XI student of a private school in Dhanbad has alleged that school staff demanded payment before giving her a sanitary pad after she began menstruating during class, causing her distress and humiliation. The alleged incident, which occurred on July 9, has prompted the district administration to order an inquiry.In an email complaint to deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan on July 15, the student said she urgently needed a sanitary pad and sent two classmates to the school office to obtain one.She alleged that office staff refused to provide the pad without payment. Her classmates reportedly assured them that the money would be paid, following which they were given the pad. The amount was later paid to a teacher, according to the complaint.The student alleged that the delay forced her to remain in the washroom for a considerable time, causing physical discomfort, embarrassment and mental distress. She later informed her family, who approached the DC.Ranjan subsequently directed district education officer Abhishek Jha to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report.Jha said on Wednesday that the allegations were being investigated. “Ensuring the availability of sanitary pads in schools is an important requirement under the Right to Education framework and relevant Supreme Court guidelines. If such an incident occurred, it is a serious matter. The inquiry findings will be submitted soon to the competent authorities,” he said.School principal Prabha Saxena, however, denied knowledge of the alleged incident. She said sanitary pads were provided to students whenever required and maintained that no such incident had occurred.
