Minister Annapurna Devi Discusses Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Initiatives in India

In a recent Lok Sabha session, Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi clarified that there are currently no plans to mandate paid menstrual leave for all workplaces. Instead, the government is focusing on other initiatives to promote menstrual hygiene.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Minister Annapurna Devi stated, “At present, there is no proposal under consideration of the Government to make provision for paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces.”

Under the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene, adolescent girls aged 10-19 receive subsidized sanitary napkins through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA). The National Health Mission supports this scheme, funding state-level programs aimed at increasing menstrual hygiene awareness.

Additionally, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has established the National Guidelines for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) to educate rural areas on menstrual health.

To further support women’s health, the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) provides affordable medicines and oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins named Suvidha at just Rs1 per pad. Over 10,000 Janaushidhi Kendras across the country distribute these products.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has received a recent Supreme Court order related to menstrual leave, reflecting ongoing legal and policy discussions on the subject.

Menstrual leave has become a topic of growing discussion and advocacy in India. Traditionally, menstruation has been shrouded in stigma and silence, with many women experiencing discomfort and health issues during their periods. Recently, there’s been a push towards recognizing menstrual leave as a legitimate and necessary aspect of women’s health.

Last year, in November, the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University allowed a relaxation of 2 percent for female students as ‘menstrual leave’ in minimum class attendance for all departments of Gauhati University as well as for the affiliated colleges. With the leave provisions, a minimum class attendance of 73 percent will be needed to sit in the semester examinations.

In a similar move, The Social Lions, a leading digital marketing agency in Mumbai, introduced a menstrual leave policy for its female employees starting in 2023. This move reflects the company’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. Under this new policy, female employees at this digital marketing agency in Mumbai will be allowed to take up to 2 days of menstrual leave per cycle. This policy is in addition to their regular sick leave and vacation days and will enable female employees to take the time they need to rest, recover, and prioritize their health and well-being.