Smriti Irani on period leaves: 'Why should employer know women's menstrual cycle, see doctor if...'

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ANI on Thursday, Irani said that by making menstrual leave a mandate, she does not want women to face discrimination and harassment at the workplace over it. ALSO READ: Five ways to overcome weakness during menstruation She said, "For you to mandate (menstrual leave across all segments) and make it lawfully implemented, people have to report implementation.

Imagine a scenario in private sector. When somebody has to implement it, your HR guy has to know, you accounts guy has to know...why should a women's menstrual cycle be known to the employer." ALSO READ: 5 foods to help reduce period cramps "Imagine if it's a single women...who chooses not to take those leaves that she is supposed to be granted.

Can you imagine the harassments that women will have to face...Imagine a floor with 20,000 women... we are creating new barriers for discriminating women," Smriti Irani said.

ALSO READ: Let us break stigma around menstruation: AIIMS Director Irani, however, noted that such leaves are "part of the law, but it is only under the context of medical leaves". She said, "Under the Occupational safety and health standard rules of 2020, a medical leave is already provided for".

ALSO READ: Mama Earth Co-founder Ghazal Alagh voices concerns over period leave debate, says 'setback for hard-earned equality...' Irani went on to respond to the critics who said some women have to suffer severe pain during the menstrual cycle. She said, "If you look at challenge with regard to severe pain, it's an indication of hormonal and chemical imbalance or (it has) a genetic inclination to it...which means you need a doctor immediately...you can't self-medicate, specially when you are above the age of 25." ALSO READ: 4 ways to stop heavy periods bleeding