Recently the Kerala government has issued an order for allowing menstrual leave to students in state run higher education institutions.
What is menstrual leave?
It is the provision for menstruating women. During their painful menstruation, they can avail paid leave and can recover. It is expected that this leave would be taken only if the pain is severe or the women is unable to work.
Provisions of Kerala government order:
As per the order, the attendance of the girls can be 73% instead of 75%. The provision can be extended to teaching and non-teaching staff as well. Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) became the first university in India to provide menstrual leave. Other countries having similar provisions: Several other countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Spain, and Zambia have provisions for menstrual pain leave in some form. Menstrual leave in India In India, some companies such as Zomato, Byju’s, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, etc. offer paid period leaves. Interestingly, all women employees in the Bihar government services have been eligible for two days special menstrual pain leave every month since 1992. Demand for rest of India Recently SC received the petition for introducing similar provisions in the entire country.