A leading Indian university has ignited a firestorm of controversy after implementing a deeply invasive policy requiring female staff to provide photographic evidence of their used sanitary pads when requesting leave for menstrual discomfort.
The Controversial Directive
Female employees at Krishna Women's Engineering College in Tamil Nadu were reportedly instructed to comply with the extraordinary measure as part of a new attendance monitoring system. The policy came to light when staff members complained about feeling tired or unwell due to their menstrual cycles.
College administrators defended the move, claiming it was necessary to prevent false claims and maintain attendance records. However, the directive has been widely condemned as humiliating and a gross violation of privacy.
Growing Backlash and Legal Concerns
The controversial measure has drawn sharp criticism from women's rights activists and legal experts across India. Many have described the requirement as "degrading" and "unprecedented in its invasion of personal privacy."
Legal professionals have questioned the policy's validity under Indian employment law and constitutional protections regarding dignity and privacy. The college now faces potential legal challenges and government intervention.
Broader Implications for Women's Rights
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace regarding menstrual health and dignity. While some countries have implemented menstrual leave policies, this approach has been widely condemned as setting a dangerous precedent.
The controversy comes amid growing discussions about menstrual equity and workplace accommodations for women's health issues across corporate India and educational institutions.
