In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Smriti Irani made it clear that she opposed the concept of requiring paid menstruation leave for female employees.
In response to a query from Member of Parliament Manoj Kumar Jha, Irani expressed her belief that having a menstrual cycle does not qualify as a handicap requiring paid time off. She highlighted that having a period is a normal part of a woman’s life and shouldn’t be viewed as a barrier.
Irani issued a warning, pointing out that a policy of this kind can unintentionally contribute to discrimination against women in the workplace by feeding prejudices or unfavourable assumptions held by those who do not menstruate. She acknowledged the importance of menstruation hygiene and told the house of a proposed national strategy aimed at raising awareness, even if she opposed paid period leave.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is working with a number of partners to develop this policy. She also brought up the ‘Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Management’ programme, which aims to educate teenage females.
