In a first, Kerala university grants menstrual leave for female students

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala has decided to grant menstrual leave for female students. This is the first time in Kerala that menstrual leave is given for students. Last month, Kottayam-based Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala has decided to grant 60 days of maternity leave for the needy degree and postgraduate students during their course.

CUSAT has taken the decision following a representation made by the students’ union of the university. An order granting the leave, issued on January 11, said the university has decided to sanction an additional two per cent condonation of shortage of attendance to female students, in each semester.

According to the university norm, a student should have at least 75 per cent attendance in each semester to sit for the exam. With menstrual leave giving two per cent condonation of 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. “This is a much-needed gesture from the university towards the female students. In the future, the academic world has to think about introducing menstrual leave for girl students,’’ she said.