Smriti Irani's statement on period leave sparks debate

A debate has once again erupted across the country on whether women in India should be given leave during periods or not.

Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani had given a reply in the Rajya Sabha on leave for women during periods, which is being discussed. The BJP government was asked in the Rajya Sabha whether the government is going to make rules to give paid leave to women during menstruation or periods. In response to this, the reply given by Child Development Minister Smriti Irani has sparked a debate across the country.

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently shared her opinion on Union Minister Smriti Irani's remarks. The 'Queen' actress, who is known for openly speaking her heart and mind, wrote on her Instagram, the working woman is a myth, there has not been a single non-working woman in the history of mankind. She said that from farming to household work to raising children, women have always been working. Nothing has come in the way of her commitment to her family or community or nation. Agreeing with Smriti Irani, Kangana concluded, "Unless it is a specific medical condition, women do not need paid leave for periods. Please understand, it is periods, not a disease or handicap."

In fact, Smriti Irani had said in the Rajya Sabha that for the women, menstruation and the menstrual cycle are not a hindrance. It is a natural part of women's life journey. She said that we should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities, just because one does not menstruate and has a special attitude towards menstruation.

Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha had questioned the government whether it was planning to take any steps to stop the use of harmful chemicals in sanitary napkins. Irani replied that no such complaint has been received regarding the sanitary pads provided by the government.

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha had asked a question in the Rajya Sabha whether the government took any measure to make it mandatory for companies to give a certain number of leaves to women employees. He said that under the leadership of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Bihar was the first state to make a policy of leave for periods.