Kerala to give schoolgirls 3 days menstrual leave every month

The Kerala government has proposed up to three days of menstrual leave every month for schoolgirls, alongside weekend catch-up classes, as part of a wider push to make the state more women and child-friendly.

The initiative was unveiled in the policy address of the newly elected government led by V D Satheesan, which was read out by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the State Assembly recently.

Positioning menstrual health as a key component of girls' education and dignity, the government said the proposed leave policy would be implemented under Project 'Menstrual Dignity', aimed at making educational institutions and public spaces more inclusive and accessible for girls and women.

"Our commitment to girl students is reflected in Project 'Menstrual Dignity', under which we intend to make educational institutions and public spaces friendly for girls and women," the Governor said.

He added that the government plans to provide up to three days of menstrual leave every month for school students while conducting weekend catch-up classes to ensure they do not fall behind academically.

The government has also proposed introducing Child Care Rules under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, mandating safe and high-quality daycare centres and creches in public offices, industrial establishments, IT parks and all workplaces employing more than 50 people.

In another major welfare initiative, the government said it aims to make Kerala India's first "orphan-free" state through the Destitute and Orphan-Free Kerala Initiative. The programme will promote adoption and create a network of trained, adequately compensated foster families in line with the Juvenile Justice Act.

The Governor said the government was committed to transforming Kerala into the country's most women-friendly state. Measures would be taken to ensure equal pay for women in workplaces, while public restroom facilities would be expanded across major towns.

Additional benefits have also been proposed for women employed in the unorganized sector, including six months of maternity leave. The government further said it would take steps to improve access to sanitary napkins, footwear and other essential items for women.

The announcements signal a broad-based effort by the new government to strengthen support systems for women and children, while addressing issues ranging from menstrual health and childcare to workplace equality and social welfare.