GANGTOK: A one-day menstruation leave policy has been implemented for female students at Sikkim University. During their menstrual cycle, female students are permitted to take one day off every month as part of the policy. The decision is effective immediately. The implementation of menstruation leave comes after the Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) filed a proposal on November 20, 2024.
Recognising the difficulties students may encounter, the association pushed for this policy to support them during their menstrual cycles. This new policy is a step towards meeting the requirements of female students at Sikkim University, which strives to provide a friendly atmosphere for its students. The administration of the university has stated that it is dedicated to making sure that every student is comfortable and happy.
Previously, the Odisha government had decided to implement a one-day menstruation leave policy for women employees in the state government and private sector, which was the first of its kind in the state. Women employees would be permitted to take time off on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.
This action is in line with the larger discussion in India on menstrual leave regulations. Although it has not yet been passed, the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, calls for women and transwomen to have three days of paid leave during their periods.
The Supreme Court recently called on the central government to create a model policy for menstrual leave for female employees, emphasising that policy-making, not judicial intervention, should be the focus of this matter.
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