Menstrual leave for students likely soon: ‘Ready to Act If CM Approves,’ says MC Sudhakar

After granting paid menstrual leave to working women, the government is now positively considering extending the benefit to college students, with the Higher Education Minister saying a decision could come soon.

College-going women students may soon receive much-needed relief, as the state government is actively considering extending menstrual leave to them. This comes after the government recently announced paid menstrual leave for working women across sectors.

Under the existing policy, working women are entitled to 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year, one day every month. The rule applies to both government and private sector employees. However, college students were not included in this order, which led to widespread demand that students should also be given the same benefit.

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Responding to these demands, Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar has made it clear that the issue is under serious consideration. “Many people are asking why college students should be left out when working women are already getting menstrual leave. The government is thinking positively about this,” he said.

MC Sudhakar stated that he is personally ready to extend menstrual leave to college students. “If the Chief Minister gives the green signal, we are ready to announce menstrual leave for women students in colleges,” he said, indicating that the decision could be taken soon.

The move is being seen as an important step towards recognising menstrual health and ensuring dignity, comfort and academic support for women students. With the government already implementing the policy for working women across all sectors, extending it to students is now being viewed as a logical next step.

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As discussions continue at the highest level, there is growing hope that college students will soon be included in the menstrual leave policy, offering them structured support during their menstrual cycle.