Odisha government announces one-day menstrual leave amid growing demand for nationwide policy

New Delhi: In a progressive step towards women's rights, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, announced a one-day menstrual leave policy for all women employees across sectors. The announcement was made during the district-level Independence Day celebration in Cuttack. Effective immediately, this policy allows women employees to take leave on either the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.

The move aligns with the long-standing demand for paid menstrual leave across the country. On July 8, the Supreme Court directed the central government to engage with stakeholders to consider implementing a nationwide policy. However, the central government recently clarified that it has no current plans to make menstrual leave mandatory.

Massive move by Odisha government

Odisha joins the ranks of states like Kerala and Bihar, where similar policies are already in place. In contrast, Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, informed the Lok Sabha on July 26 that the government has no proposal under consideration to mandate menstrual leave across all workplaces. In her written statement, she said, "At present, there is no proposal under consideration of the Government to make provision for paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces."

The debate surrounding menstrual leave gained traction after the Supreme Court urged the central government to create a model policy for paid menstrual leave. While the court acknowledged the potential for increasing women’s participation in the workforce, it also raised concerns that such a policy might deter employers from hiring women.