Kerala Government Grants Menstruation Vacation to Female Students in State Universities

On Monday, the Kerala government declared that female students enrolled in all state universities under the Department of Higher Education will be allowed to take menstruation vacation. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu announced that the government has decided to implement the same policy in all universities under the Department’s jurisdiction, after the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) pioneered the concept of offering menstruation leave to its students.

few other universities have also adopted the same policy, but this was the first instance in the state. She announced on Facebook that “necessary measures would be taken to implement menstrual leave in all colleges” following recognition of the emotional and physical difficulties female students experience during this time. She commended the recent decision made by the Cochin University, highlighting that it was the first time in Kerala that a school has granted students menstruation leave. Additionally, a few other universities have also adopted the same policy, however, this was the first occurrence in the state.

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, Union Minister Smriti Irani urged both boys and girls to be educated on the subject of menstruation, emphasizing that there is nothing to be ashamed of. The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) decided to respond to a request from the university’s Students’ Federation of India (SFI)-led students’ union by agreeing to provide educational information about the subject.

On January 11, the university granted a two percent increase in the tolerance of female students’ absences for every semester in answer to their long-existing request.

The implementation of a menstrual leave model in various institutions across the state was praised by her. She commended the students’ union for taking up the initiative and initiating such a progressive step. This model will provide employees with the opportunity to take a day off in order to deal with the physical and mental discomfort caused by menstruation. Such an initiative will help to reduce the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation, and ensure a more comfortable working environment for employees.