ITANAGAR 11 Mar: Women & Child Development Minister Alo Libang on Friday told the assembly that a decision on granting a day’s menstrual leave to women will be taken in the state after a discussion in the matter is held with stakeholders.
Responding to a private member resolution moved in the assembly by Congress legislator Ninong Ering, Libang said his department, in coordination with the health and education officials, would discuss the matter with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women and other organisations.
He said that women legislators would also be consulted before a decision is arrived at.
Ering, on his part, pointed out that countries such as Italy and Japan and the Indian states of Kerala and Bihar have made such provisions for women.
“It could be very annoying for women to work and girls during menstruation, especially on the first day. If they are granted a one-day leave, they can discharge their duties with more dedication,” Ering pointed out.
Referring to the assembly poll victory of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, Ering stated that women empowerment initiatives played a major role in ensuring the party’s win in these states.
In response, the minister said that the Arunachal government too provides various facilities to the womenfolk of the state.
“Views could be divergent among women on the issue of menstruation. Many may not want to disclose it.
We will discuss the issue elaborately with the stakeholders,” Libang said, further requesting Ering to withdraw the resolution.
The Congress MLA, in keeping with the request, withdrew the resolution before the house was adjourned for the day. (PTI)
Quotes of the day
- “Mahilayon toh ye bar aapko (BJP) jor dar se vote diya. Aapka jeet mahilaon ka karan seh hai.” Ninong Ering, Pasighat West MLA, while moving a private resolution to introduce a bill for one day’s leave for working women during their menstrual period.
- “Yeh baat ko assembly bolne ke liye ek litra chiz hai.” Lokam Tassar, Koloriang MLA, participating in the discussion on the private resolution.
- “Yeh baat ko assembly mein utana hum acha nei laga.” Lekang MLA Jummum Ete Deori.
- “Bohot sara mahilaayon ka family mein menstruation ka baat ko discuss nei karta hai. Hum to support karti hoon.” Hayuliang MLA Dasanglu Pul.
- “Jo kamata hai woh family chalta hai. Isko bill ke roop mein lana jaroori nei hai.” Liromoba MLA Nyamar Karbak.
