KOTTAYAM: For the first time in Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi University (MG University) has granted 60 days maternity leave to female students. The decision was taken in the syndicate meeting held yesterday. Pro Vice Chancellor Dr CT Aravindakumar said that this is the first time in Kerala that a university is allowing pregnant students to take leave without any hindrance.

The leave was granted to undergraduate and postgraduate female students above 18 years of age. Leave can be taken before or after delivery and will be granted for first and second births. The University specifies that leave will be granted only once during the duration of a course.

The leave period shall include public holidays and ordinary holidays. The notification also states that no other holidays can be added to it. 14 days leave will also be given for abortion and tubectomy. Those who take maternity leave during a semester will be allowed to register for exams in that semester. But the examination will be supplementary along with the regular students of the next semester. After the maternity leave, they can continue their studies in the current semester with their own batch.

In case of practical, lab and viva examinations for students on maternity leave, the Head of the Institution or the Head of the Department should make necessary arrangements for the same. The notification also states that in order to get maternity leave, a medical certificate from a registered doctor must be submitted along with the application three days before the commencement of the leave.