Smriti Irani says menstruation not a 'handicap', rejects need for paid leave policy

Smriti Irani rejected the need for a specific policy on 'paid leave' for menstruating women.

Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Smriti Irani dismissed the notion of menstruation as a "handicap" and rejected the need for a specific policy on "paid leave" for menstruating women on Wednesday.

Responding to concerns raised by members of the Rajya Sabha, Irani underscored the natural aspect of the menstrual cycle and urged against proposals that might hinder women's equal opportunities in the wake of a recent parliamentary inquiry into the country's menstrual hygiene policy.

Irani asserted, "As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is 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."

She also said that menstruation and its associated activities are "surrounded by silence" and treated with "shame" and associated with "social taboos that restrict mobility, freedom and access to normal activities for menstruating persons". This, she said, often leads to their harassment and social exclusion.

"It becomes even more sensitive, when a girl/ menstruating person is unaware of the changes that she undergoes emotionally and physically, while facing her menstrual cycle for the first time,” she said.

Last week, in response to a question by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Irani clarified, "There is no proposal under the consideration of the government to make provision for paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces."

Contrary to expectations, Irani's recent statements seem to counter the government's October release of a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy advocating for leave provisions for menstruating individuals in workplaces.

The draft emphasized inclusivity and proposed flexible working arrangements to accommodate the specific needs of individuals during menstruation.

“Provisions like flexible working arrangements, such as work from home or support leave, to accommodate the specific needs of individuals during menstruation. It is important to emphasize that such arrangements should be available to all, to prevent perpetuating stigmas or assumptions about productivity based on menstrual cycles,” the draft said.

Responding to concerns raised by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Kumar Jha regarding the risks associated with sanitary napkins, Irani highlighted their affordability through Jan Aushadi Kendra.

She stated, "Through 10,000 Jan Aushadi Kendra, sanitary napkins are available at 1 rupee, and there has been no complaint." Irani also addressed the disposal of sanitary products, citing protocols initiated by the Jal Shakti ministry in 2014.

In her written response to the Rajya Sabha, Irani said that “a small proportion of women/ girls suffer from severe dysmenorrhea or similar complaints; and most of these cases are manageable by medication.”

She also outlined various government schemes aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene among girls aged 10-19. The Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene, under the National Health Mission, focuses on raising awareness and is implemented through State Programme Implementation Plans.

Additionally, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has developed National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management for rural areas.