National Policy on Menstrual Leave Urgently Needed, Says MP Chandrashekhar Azad

Speaking in Nagina, Uttar Pradesh, Azad emphasized that the absence of a national guideline leaves millions of working women—particularly those in the unorganised sector—without any structured support during menstruation. He underscored that while the conversation around menstrual health has grown in recent years, policy action has not kept pace with the lived realities of women who often work long hours in physically demanding conditions.

The MP appealed to the Centre to draft a comprehensive policy that not only acknowledges menstrual health as a legitimate workplace concern but also ensures that women employed outside the formal sector are explicitly protected. According to Azad, any future framework must be inclusive and enforceable, offering meaningful relief rather than remaining symbolic.

His remarks contribute to a broader national debate over gender-sensitive labour reforms, raising renewed questions about workplace equity, women’s health rights, and the responsibility of the state to standardise protections across diverse employment sectors. As discussions gain momentum, Azad’s intervention places additional pressure on policymakers to confront an issue long overlooked in India’s labour landscape.

In highlighting the need for a structured approach, the MP’s appeal adds urgency to a conversation that carries significant implications for women’s welfare, workforce participation, and the ongoing pursuit of equitable labour rights across the country.