Odisha government announces period leave for women

Odisha became the third state in India to introduce menstrual leave for women in both public and private sectors. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced during Independence Day celebrations in Cuttack that women employees could now avail one-day menstrual leave, either on the first or second day of their cycle. This move aligns with the BJP's election manifesto promise to implement a ‘Menstrual Health Policy’ in all government offices. Odisha joined Bihar and Kerala in offering menstrual leave, with Bihar providing two days per month for government employees, and Kerala offering a three-day period leave for female students. While labor union leaders and women’s rights activists welcomed the initiative as progressive, they urged the government to issue guidelines or an SOP for clear implementation, especially in the private sector. Despite its significance, the policy has not yet been integrated into labor laws, and consultations with the Labour department and private sector stakeholders have yet to occur.