Kerala University Introduces Menstrual Leave for Students
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala has now decided to grant menstrual leave for female students.
During menstrual days of the month, girls undergo a lot of problems like weakness, headache, cramps, mood swings and a lot of others. And hence, during those days, it usually becomes difficult for females to work in optimal efficiency. However, now, Kerala University has brought up a solution for this issue. The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala has now decided to grant menstrual leave for female students. This is the first time in Kerala that menstrual leave is given for students. CUSAT has taken the decision following a representation made by the students’ union of the university.
In an order granting leave issued on 11th January, the university said, it has decided to sanction an additional two percent relief in shortage of attendance to female students, every semester. According to the university norm, a student should have at least 75 percent attendance in each semester to sit for the final end term examination. With menstrual leave giving two percent relief in the shortage of attendance, the mandatory attendance for female students would be 73 per cent. CUSAT Syndicate member Dr Poornima Narayanan said the university has acted upon a representation from the students’ union. She added that this is a much-needed gesture from the university towards the female students. In the future, others in the academic world will think about introducing menstrual leave for girl students.
Last month, Kottayam-based Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala has decided to grant 60 days of maternity leave for the degree and postgraduate students during their course. What do you think about this landmark and brilliant decision by Kerala University? Do you think more colleges and universities in India should introduce this order in their respective universities? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
