In a first, Kerala to grant menstrual leave to students in state-run institutes

Kerala (India), 20th Jan 2023: The Kerala government has issued an order granting menstrual leave for students in all state-run higher education institutions, becoming the first state in India to do so.

The order, issued by the State Higher Education Department, allows girl students to appear for their semester exams with 73% attendance instead of the 75% required by university rules. Additionally, all female students above the age of 18 are eligible for up to 60 days of pregnancy leave.

The state government will also take steps to amend the university rules to reflect these changes. The decision has been praised by the State Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, R. Bindu, who described it as a step towards realizing a gender-just society.