Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:08pm on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Health & Wellness
Union Minister Smriti Irani stated in Parliament that menstruation is not a "handicap" necessitating mandatory paid leave policies for workplaces. Responding to questions on India's menstrual hygiene provisions, Irani said most menstrual difficulties are medically manageable without denying women equal opportunities. The government recently released a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy advocating flexible work arrangements during periods to promote inclusivity. However, Irani emphasized such support systems should be available to all rather than perpetuate assumptions about productivity. Highlighting affordable sanitary napkin access and disposal protocols, she detailed awareness schemes like the NHM-backed Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene targeting adolescent girls.
