Odisha Government Implements One-Day Menstrual Leave Policy For Women Employees

The Odisha government announced on Thursday the introduction of a one-day menstrual leave policy for women employees working in both the state government and private sector. This step marks a significant step towards the health and well-being of women across the state. The announcement was made by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during the district-level Independence Day celebrations held in Cuttack.

Effective immediately, the new policy permits female employees to take a leave of absence on either the first or second day of their menstrual cycle. This move is intended to provide relief and support to women during their menstrual period, acknowledging the physical discomfort many women experience during this time.

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The introduction of this policy in Odisha comes amid a growing national and global discourse on menstrual leave policies. Although 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 during menstruation, it has yet to be enacted. The Odisha government’s decision to implement a one-day leave reflects a proactive approach in addressing this issue, setting a precedent for other states to consider similar measures.

The Supreme Court of India recently urged the central government to create a model policy on menstrual leave for female employees, emphasizing that such matters should be addressed through policy-making rather than judicial intervention. The Court’s call highlights the importance of institutionalizing menstrual leave as part of broader labor rights and health policies.

Currently, only Bihar and Kerala have implemented menstrual leave policies at the state level in India. Bihar pioneered this initiative in 1992, granting women two days of paid menstrual leave each month. In 2023, Kerala expanded this provision by extending menstrual leave to female students across all universities and institutions, along with offering up to 60 days of maternity leave for female students over 18 years of age.

In addition to these state-led initiatives, some private companies in India have also adopted menstrual leave policies. For example, Zomato, a prominent food delivery service, introduced a policy in 2020 that offers 10 days of paid period leave annually to its female employees.

Despite these advancements, there is still no national law governing menstrual leave in India. Previous legislative attempts, including the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017, and the Women’s Sexual, Reproductive, and Menstrual Rights Bill, 2018, failed to pass, leaving a gap in the legal framework addressing menstrual health in the workplace.