Odisha introduces one-day menstrual leave | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a progressive move, the Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for women workers across both the state government and private sectors.

Announced by new Chief Minister Pravati Parida during the Independence Day celebrations in Cuttack, this policy marks a significant first for the state.

Women employees can now avail themselves of this leave on either the first or second day of their menstrual cycle, with immediate effect.

The policy aims to support the health and well-being of menstruating individuals, acknowledging the physical strain experienced during menstruation.

This decision aligns with a growing national conversation on the importance of menstrual leave in workplaces, a topic that has gained traction in recent years.

Though the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, proposes three days of paid leave for women and transwomen, it remains unlegislated.

Bihar and Kerala are currently the only Indian states with established menstrual leave policies.

Bihar’s policy, introduced in 1992, allows women two days of paid leave each month, while Kerala extended menstrual leave to female students in 2023.

Some private companies in India, like Zomato, have also implemented menstrual leave, with Zomato offering 10 days of paid leave annually since 2020.

Despite these advancements, the central government has yet to commit to a nationwide mandate for menstrual leave.

Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi recently confirmed that there are no immediate plans to enforce such a policy across all workplaces.

This statement followed a Supreme Court directive urging the government to develop a model policy on menstrual leave, though the court emphasized that such matters fall under legislative purview.

Advocacy groups continue to push for a policy that addresses the physical challenges of menstruation, mirroring existing maternity leave provisions.

While Indian law mandates 26 weeks of maternity leave for women expecting their first and second child, there is growing demand for similar support during menstruation.

The introduction of Odisha’s one-day menstrual leave is a significant step towards recognizing and accommodating the needs of women in the workforce.

Image Credit: User:Planemad, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Odisha_districts_map.svg