The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has started a research on the issue of paid period leave for the working women across India, including Odisha, as a matter of empowerment of women and ensuring their rights as well. After complete research, a final decision will be taken by the Chairperson and all other members (Full Commission) of the NHRC.
Acting on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist RadhakantaTripathy, the NHRC has taken the decision on May 1.
The petitioner raised certain issues concerning working women. It is stated that women, especially the working women, are still under dominance of masculine thinking.
Though the Maternity Benefit Act has been legislated to regulate the employment of women in certain establishments for certain period before and after child birth and provide for maternity benefit to it, provisions inter-alia had not been made for leave to working women during their menstrual pain. It is stated that Bihar is the only State in India, which is providing two days of special menstrual pain leave to women since 1922. Some Indian companies are offering paid period leaves to its women employees, Tripathy pointed out.
He also stated that despite there is a provision u/s 14 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 that there will be an inspector for a particular area to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Act ,but ironically, the State Governments have not created the post of inspectors and hence have not appointed any of such inspectors.
Tripathy requested the NHRC to ensure an integrated, comprehensive holistic provision for working women in India, formulation of a policy and administrative measures for ensuring the basic dignity of working women, help during menstruation as well as measures to prevent infections during such periods by maintaining hygiene and adequate supply of basic hygiene essentials like soap, mask, sanitary pads for women employees.
The Commission has considered the complaint and is of the view that the issue which the complainant has raised in the instant matter comes within the realm of policy formulation. The Commission decided the matter to be analysed by the Research Division of the NHRC for taking a call on the same by interaction with members of Core Group of women. Thereafter the matter will be finally decided by the Full Commission, the Chairperson and all other members of the NHRC.