Smriti Irani advocates against specific policy for paid menstrual leave

Union Women and Child Development Minister, Smriti Irani, addressed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, asserting her stance that menstruation should not be considered a "handicap" warranting a dedicated policy for "paid leave." In response to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Kumar Jha's query about menstrual hygiene policy in the country, Irani conveyed her perspective on the matter.

"As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstrual cycle are not a handicap; they're a natural part of women's lives. We should not advocate for issues denying equal opportunities due to differing viewpoints towards menstruation," Irani stated during her address in the upper house.

This statement follows Irani's earlier remarks in the Lok Sabha last week, where she clarified that the government wasn't considering a proposal to mandate paid menstrual leave across workplaces.

In her written response submitted to the upper house, Irani emphasized that while a small percentage of women/girls experience severe dysmenorrhea or similar issues, these cases are typically manageable with medication. However, she highlighted the societal stigma surrounding menstruation, leading to limitations on mobility, freedom, and access to normal activities for menstruating individuals, often resulting in harassment and social exclusion.

The draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy released by the government in October suggested provisions for inclusive measures in educational institutions and workplaces, aiming to accommodate diverse workforce needs, including flexible working arrangements during menstruation. The draft emphasized the importance of making these arrangements universally available to prevent perpetuating stigmas or assumptions about productivity based on menstrual cycles.

Responding to concerns raised by Manoj Kumar Jha regarding the substances used in sanitary napkins and associated potential risks, Irani highlighted the availability of affordable sanitary napkins through Jan Aushadi Kendra, priced at just 1 rupee, with no reported complaints.

Regarding the disposal of sanitary products, Irani mentioned initiatives started by the Jal Shakti Ministry in 2014 after the Modi government came into power, implementing national and state protocols for sanitary product management.

In her written response, the ministry outlined various government schemes aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls aged 10-19 years. The Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene, supported by the National Health Mission, focuses on raising awareness and is executed through State Programme Implementation Plans. Furthermore, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has developed National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management for rural areas, the response stated.

The government's position, as articulated by Minister Irani, reflects a nuanced approach towards addressing menstrual hygiene issues, balancing the need for awareness and support while refraining from mandating specific policies for paid menstrual leave across workplaces.