Kerala govt proposes monthly menstrual leave for school students
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The Congress-led United Democratic Front government in Kerala has proposed introducing menstrual leave for school students as part of a broader initiative aimed at improving facilities and support systems for girls and women.
The proposal was outlined during the policy address delivered by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar in the state Assembly on Friday. Under the proposed “Project Menstrual Dignity”, educational institutions and public spaces would be made more accessible and supportive for girls and women, Maktoob Media reported.
According to the proposal, female students in schools would be entitled to up to three days of menstrual leave every month. To ensure that students do not fall behind academically, the government also plans to arrange weekend catch-up classes for those availing the leave.
In the policy address, the Governor stated that the government’s objective was to make Kerala the most women-friendly state in the country and that measures would be taken to ensure equal pay for women in workplaces.
The proposal follows a similar initiative introduced in January 2023 by the previous Left Democratic Front government for college students. That policy provided female students in state universities under the Higher Education Department with a two per cent attendance concession. The decision had come after menstrual leave was introduced at Cochin University of Science and Technology.
The government has also proposed implementing Child Care Rules under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The initiative is intended to ensure that public offices, industrial establishments, IT parks and workplaces employing more than 50 people maintain safe and quality crèche and daycare facilities.
The policy address further indicated that women working in the unorganised sector would receive additional benefits, including six months of maternity leave.
In addition, the government announced plans to establish public restroom facilities in major towns across Kerala and improve access to essential items for women, including sanitary napkins, footwear and other basic necessities.