Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: The Tripura Human Rights Commission headed by Justice Arindam Lodh has sought information from the state government on whether any policy decision or initiative regarding menstrual leave and related welfare measures for women employees and female students is under consideration in Tripura.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue, the commission referred to recent observations of the Supreme Court of India in two writ petitions filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi concerning menstrual leave for women employees and students.
In its order, the commission noted that the apex court, while hearing the matter in February 2023 and July 2024, had observed that the issue involved “multifarious policy dimensions” and required consideration at the policy level by the Union and state governments after consultation with stakeholders.
The commission said no central legislation currently mandates menstrual leave for women employees or female students, but pointed out that certain states and institutions have already introduced such measures.
It cited Bihar’s provision of two days’ menstrual leave per month for women government employees since 1992, Kerala’s introduction of menstrual leave and attendance relaxation for female students in educational institutions, and Karnataka’s menstrual leave policy approved in 2025 mandating one day of paid leave per month for women in both public and private sectors.
The commission also referred to legislative attempts at the national level, including the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017 and the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022, though neither has been enacted into law.
“The commission is of the considered view that menstrual health, dignity and workplace welfare are important aspects connected with the human rights of women and female students,” the order said.
It further stated that the issue required consideration by state authorities in light of constitutional principles relating to dignity, equality, health and humane working conditions.
The commission has directed that a copy of the order be sent to the chief secretary of the Tripura government for obtaining information from the concerned departments within 30 days.
The state government has been asked to indicate whether any steps have already been taken or are proposed regarding menstrual leave, menstrual health support, attendance relaxation, workplace accommodation or related welfare measures for women employees and female students in the state.