Do You Get Period Leaves? | Menstrual Leave Policies
Updated: 25-08-2025 at 3:31 PM
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The demand for period sick leave and holistic menstrual health policies for school students has gained significant momentum recently.
Last December, the Assam government announced it would introduce a 2-day monthly period of leave for female students. Several schools across India have also formulated period policies allowing students flexibility, access to sanitary products, and informed awareness programmes.
In this article, you will get the detailed information about the Period leave, the need for menstrual leave, challenges faced by women during the menstrual cycle and much more.
Overview
The table below gives a quick snapshot of menstrual leave in India, covering its meaning, student and workplace policies, and key benefits.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What is Menstrual Leave? | A policy that allows women and girls to take leave during their period sick days, without affecting attendance or pay. |
| Menstrual Leave in India | First adopted by Cochin University in 2020, later announced by the Assam government and several private schools. |
| Menstrual Leave Policy for Female Students | Students can take up to 2 days monthly as “physiological leave” without needing certificates or prior approval. |
| Workplace Leave | Women employees can make an application for period pain leave in the office to rest during difficult menstrual days. |
| Benefits | Reduces absenteeism, improves health, ensures dignity, and addresses the stigma around periods. |
| Concerns | Fear of misuse and lack of awareness still limit the broader implementation of menstrual leave policies. |
What Is A Period Leave?
The onset of menstruation is a pivotal moment in a girl’s life. However, the lack of awareness and infrastructure around menstrual leave in India often makes it an anxious experience for students.
The taboo about periods forces many girls to miss school for several days every month. In some cases, it even prompts them to drop out.
Cochin University was the first institute in India to install this when they introduced the menstrual leave policy for girls back in 2020. This paved the way for other colleges and schools to follow suit.
Also read: Mahtari Vandana Yojana
How Can Menstrual Leave Help School Girls?
The need is evident from the shocking fact that 23 million girls in India drop out of school due to a lack of period-friendly infrastructure. Not only does this impact their academic and career trajectories, but it also leads to health issues that affect their entire lives.
The government order states that these must be marked as “physiological leave” and not affect attendance records negatively. Students will not need any certificates or prior approvals either.
Several experts have lauded the move as a progressive step. Dr. Shruti Sharma, a Delhi-based gynaecologist, said, “Menstruation is a biological reality for half the population. Cramps can be extremely painful for many young girls, which makes it impossible to focus in class.
The Assam government’s decision accounts for this and promotes inclusivity in schools.”
A few private schools have also introduced flexible attendance policies during certain periods. The Pardada Pardadi school in Anupshahr, Uttar Pradesh, offers an extra 8 casual leaves, apart from sick leaves, that girls can use during periods without any questions.
Riverdale High School in Guwahati announced 2 days of “Mensuration Leave policy” in 2022 for its 2000+ students from grades 8 to 12.
Several school authorities have raised concerns about the potential misuse of this leave. Principals argue that students might take undue advantage by taking leave even when not menstruating.
Read more: Women Helpline Scheme
UNESCO’s Take On Period Leave
UNESCO estimates that 1 in 5 girls drop out of school post-puberty due to a lack of menstrual health management facilities in schools. Introducing period sick leave and better menstrual health facilities in schools can improve attendance and performance while promoting dignity.
Under the policy, female students can take two days of menstrual leave every month for the whole academic year.
Strict monitoring systems have therefore been suggested before implementing this on a larger scale. Suggestions include parents informing the school at the start of the academic year about their daughter’s menstrual cycles.
Why is There A Need For Paid Menstrual Leave For Women?
Periods are surely a biological aspect of women’s lives, but the experience of every woman is subjective. Many women experience physical discomfort, such as cramps, nausea, and psychological discomfort like headaches, mood swings, etc., during menstruation. Hence, organisations must recognise their pain and introduce a paid menstrual leave policy, which they can take by making an application for period pain leave in the office. Paid menstrual leave makes women feel safe in their workplace in terms of their job and helps the organisation in making a healthy work environment for the entire female workforce.
Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017
The Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to recognise the hardships faced by women because of society and biology. The bill proposes two days of paid period sick leave for women during their menstrual cycle.
The bill wasn’t passed, but it surely sent the message that the officials are working on it, and one day it will be passed.
Challenges Faced By Women
Women face a range of issues, not only in India but all over the world, but the topic of periods is especially taboo in India. There is a social stigma attached to the word ‘periods’, which makes managing work during menstruation very difficult and complex. In such conditions, paid Menstrual leaves would be bliss. Women can’t access all the menstrual hygiene products, especially women who live in rural parts of the country.
It is crucial to address and break the shackles of stigma around menstruation by spreading awareness and promoting menstrual health literacy. Awareness programmes would reduce the stigma and any misconceptions people might have about periods.
Also read: Top Women Empowerment Schemes in India
Conclusion
Periodic leaves for students are the need of the hour. Schools must also make efforts to remove taboos about menstruation and conduct awareness drives to sensitise students. Providing sanitary pad dispensers, clean toilets, and disposal facilities is necessary too.
As India aims to empower its girls and bridge the gender gap in education, the schools of today must become advocates of menstrual health and providers of a safe learning environment for all students.
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