Smriti Irani Opposes Mandatory Menstrual Leave, Advocates Equal Opportunities

Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani has expressed her disagreement with the notion of mandatory paid menstrual leave for female employees. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Irani emphasized that menstruation is a natural aspect of women's lives and should not be viewed as a hindrance requiring special leave provisions.

"As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, it’s a natural part of women’s life journey," Irani stated. She cautioned against menstrual leave potentially leading to discrimination against women in the workforce, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities.

While rejecting the idea of mandatory menstrual leave, Irani highlighted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's initiative to formulate a draft national policy on menstrual hygiene. This policy aims to enhance awareness and access to proper menstrual hygiene management practices across the country.

Irani also underscored the existing 'Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)' scheme, focusing on adolescent girls aged 10 to 19. Supported by the National Health Mission, this scheme aims to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene through education and awareness programs.

The announcement follows a parliamentary report indicating that the matter of special menstrual leave falls under the health ministry's purview for examination. While Spain recently passed legislation allowing paid leave for painful periods, there is currently no proposal in India to mandate menstrual leave across all workplaces, as clarified by Irani earlier in response to a question from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University