Class 11 student made to stand outside class after asking for sanitary pad in UP. Father files complaint

The incident has highlighted the need for more awareness and sensitivity surrounding women's health and hygiene. (Representational image)

A class 11 student was allegedly made to stand outside her classroom for an hour after requesting a sanitary napkin during her examination in a girls' school in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

The incident came to light after the girl's father filed a complaint. He said that his daughter had gone to school and during her exam, she realised that her period had started. In his complaint to the district magistrate, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), the State Women's Commission, and the Department of Women Welfare, the father stated that the girl had asked the principal for a pad when she was made to leave the classroom and stand for an hour, the Times of India reported.

The District Inspector of Schools, Devki Nandan, told the publication that the matter is being investigated, and action will be taken be taken based on the findings.

The incident has also caused outrage on social media.

"What will we do by reaching the moon or crossing the GDP of superpowers if at the lower level, people are still stuck at the Stone Age," commented Arham Ansari (@TheArhamAnsari). Another X user (@aditya_gan3500) wrote, "I will never understand why something so physiological is looked upon like this?"

"Terrible. Almost brings tears to my eyes. This is the most basic thing. No empathy and sensitivity is bad. If there are boys in the school they will learn from it and treat women and girls the same way," added Nasser Syed (@nasserthesyed).

The matter also highlighted the need for better awareness and sensitivity towards menstrual health and hygiene in educational institutions.