Kerala menstrual leave row: BJP's Sreelekha, IUML's Noorbina draw criticism over privacy remarks

The Kerala government's proposal to grant up to three days of menstrual leave every month for schoolgirls has triggered a debate, with criticism emerging from both within the ruling UDF camp and from the opposition party BJP.

Former Kerala DGP and BJP councillor R Sreelekha questioned whether the proposed leave would genuinely empower girls or instead reinforce perceptions of vulnerability. In a social media post, she argued that menstruation should be treated as a matter of personal dignity and privacy rather than a reason for regular absence from school.

Sreelekha said girls experience menstruation differently, with some facing severe pain while others continue their daily activities without major difficulty. Drawing on her own experience, she said she never missed school, college or IPS training because of menstruation, despite experiencing pain.

"That is the strength of women," she wrote.

She also raised privacy concerns, arguing that recurring monthly leave could make a student's menstrual cycle known to family members, schools and others.

"If girls stay away from classes every month, family members, schools and others may come to know when a particular child is menstruating. Is this menstrual dignity?" she asked.

Instead of leave, Sreelekha suggested improving facilities such as clean toilets, sanitary napkin vending machines and access to pain-relief medication in educational institutions.

After her remarks sparked criticism online, Sreelekha defended her position in another Facebook post. She said critics were misrepresenting her views and clarified that she had described the government's policy, rather than menstruation itself, as a matter of concern.

Meanwhile, senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML, part of UDF front) leader Noorbina Rasheed also expressed reservations, focusing on privacy issues.

The former national secretary of the Muslim Women's League said that while menstrual leave could be viewed as a supportive measure, its implementation could unintentionally expose girls' personal information.

"When girls avail such menstrual leaves, it could land them in mental despair. Therefore, officials must see to it that privacy of the girls is not affected through such policies," she said.

Rasheed warned that requiring students to request or record menstrual leave in schools and colleges could make their menstrual days publicly known, causing discomfort for many girls. She called for safeguards to protect privacy before such a policy is implemented. 

Social media reactions

The remarks by both leaders drew strong reactions on social media. Several users questioned why menstruation should be treated as a secret when it is a natural biological process. Others argued that privacy concerns should not become a reason to oppose measures intended to support girls facing menstrual difficulties. Some commenters also noted similarities between the positions taken by Rasheed and Sreelekha, while others questioned whether their views reflected outdated attitudes towards menstrual health.

Government’s reaction

Amid the controversy, Kerala General Education Minister N Samsudheen, who is also an IUML leader, defended the proposal. He said the measure was intended only for students who experience significant physical and mental challenges during menstruation.

"Periods can be extremely difficult for some girls. There are students who find it hard even to step out of their homes during those days, while others may go through the phase without much difficulty," he said.

He said the government has only provided a concession for those students who experience such difficulties, so that they do not face problems in attending school.

"These are physically and mentally challenging days for many girls. If required, they can avail themselves of leave, and there will be no administrative hurdles from the authorities in doing so," the minister explained.

The newly sworn-in UDF government recently announced a series of women-and child-friendly initiatives, including a proposal to introduce up to three days of menstrual leave every month for schoolgirls.

The initiative was outlined in the policy address of the V D Satheesan-led government, delivered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the State Assembly on Friday.

"Our commitment to girl students is reflected in Project 'Menstrual Dignity', under which we intend to make educational institutions and public spaces friendly for girls and women," the Governor had said in his address.

The government also proposed weekend catch-up classes for students availing menstrual leave to ensure that they do not fall behind in their studies.