Kerala Announces 60-Day Maternity Leave, Menstrual Holiday For Girl Students Above 18 Years

The required attendance percentage for female students will be 73 per cent including menstrual leave as against 75 per cent earlier.

Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu

Chennai: Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu announced that students above 18 years of age could avail 60 days of maternity leave in all institutions under the state government's higher education department. As part of the scheme, the students could also avail menstrual leave. 

Taking to social media, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said, "Once again, Kerala sets a model for the nation. Menstrual and maternity leaves will be granted to female students of all institutions under our Department of Higher Education, reaffirming LDF Government's commitment to realising a gender-just society."

Once again, Kerala sets a model for the nation. Menstrual and maternity leaves will be granted to female students of all institutions under our Department of Higher Education, reaffirming LDF Government's commitment to realising a gender just society.@unwomenchief @UN_Women

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) January 19, 2023

Earlier, Higher Education Minister R Bindu as per ANI said, "Girl students above 18 years of age can get a maximum of 60 days of maternity leave. The required attendance percentage for female students will be 73 per cent including menstrual leave as against 75 per cent earlier." 

The order has also been issued in this regard, she added. 

On Saturday, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala announced 'menstruation benefits' where girl students could claim up to 2% of additional condonation of attendance.

The announcement came after students demanded 24 extra leaves every year as menstrual leaves for women. However, the management citing technical issues announced a 2% condonation for the shortage of attendance

On Monday, Kerala Minister Bindu took to social media to mention the mental and physical difficulties faced by female students during menstruation. She also said that necessary steps will be taken to implement menstrual leave in all universities.