Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani reiterated her stance against mandating specific policies for “paid leave” based on menstruation, emphasizing that menstruation should not be perceived as a handicap. Her comments came during a session in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question posed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Kumar Jha regarding the menstrual hygiene policy in the country.
“As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstrual cycle are not a handicap; it’s a natural part of women’s life journey. We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation,” Irani stated.
Last week, in response to a question by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Irani informed the Lok Sabha that there is currently no government proposal under consideration to make paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces.
In a written response submitted to the upper house, Irani acknowledged that while a small proportion of women/girls experience severe dysmenorrhea or similar complaints, most cases are manageable by medication. She emphasized the societal challenges surrounding menstruation, including silence, shame, and social taboos that can restrict mobility and lead to harassment and social exclusion.
The government had released a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy in October, advocating for inclusive measures in workplaces and educational institutions. The draft proposed flexible working arrangements, such as work-from-home or support leave, to accommodate the diverse needs of the workforce during menstruation.
During the session, Jha raised concerns about the potential risks associated with sanitary napkins due to certain substances used in their production and inquired about regulations governing these products. Irani responded by highlighting the availability of affordable sanitary napkins through Jan Aushadi Kendra and stated that there have been no complaints.
Regarding the disposal of sanitary products, Irani mentioned that, after 2014, the Jal Shakti ministry initiated national and state protocols for the management of sanitary products.
In her written response, the ministry outlined various government schemes promoting menstrual hygiene, including the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene and National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
