Higher Education Dept allows menstrual leave in all universities of state; female students who have reached the age of 18 also allowed maternity leave of up to two months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The higher education department has issued an order allowing menstrual leave in all the universities under the higher education department of Kerala. It was minister Dr. R Bindu who informed this. The minister also said that maternity leave up to a maximum of 60 days has been granted to female students who have reached the age of 18.

The higher education department issued the order by fixing the attendance limit for girl students at 73 percent, including menstrual leave. The minister also said that the department has directed the universities to make necessary amendments regarding this in the university rules.

Menstrual leave was announced for the first time in Kerala in CUSAT. Students need 75 percent attendance each semester to appear for the examination. However, CUSAT is implementing an amendment to allow female students to take the exam even if they have 73 percent attendance considering their menstrual leaves.