Agartala, May 11: The Tripura Human Rights Commission, headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, has sought clarification from the Tripura government regarding whether any policy measures or discussions are underway concerning menstrual leave and related welfare provisions for women employees and female students in the state.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue, the commission referred to observations made by the Supreme Court of India in two writ petitions filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi related to menstrual leave for women workers and students.
In its order, the commission noted that the apex court had observed that the matter involves several policy dimensions and requires consideration by both the Union and state governments in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The court had also stated that state governments are free to independently take decisions on the issue based on local requirements and policy priorities.
The commission observed that India currently does not have any central legislation mandating menstrual leave for women employees or female students. However, it pointed out that several states and educational institutions have already introduced policies aimed at supporting menstrual health and workplace welfare.
Referring to existing examples, the commission cited Bihar’s long-standing provision of two days of menstrual leave per month for women government employees since 1992. It also mentioned Kerala’s policy granting menstrual leave and attendance relaxation for female students in educational institutions, along with Karnataka’s menstrual leave policy approved in 2025 that allows one day of paid leave per month for women in both the public and private sectors.
The commission further noted that legislative efforts had been made at the national level through the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017 and the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, although neither proposal has yet become law.
Stating that menstrual health, dignity, equality, and humane working conditions are closely linked to women’s human rights, the commission directed that a copy of the order be sent to the chief secretary of the Tripura government. The state government has been asked to provide information within 30 days regarding any policy decision, proposal, discussion, or action plan under consideration on menstrual leave and allied welfare measures for women employees and female students.
