Gauhati University in Assam Introduces Menstrual Leave for students

Guwahati: After universities in Kerala, the Gauhati University in Assam has taken a progressive step by implementing menstrual leave for female students along with a 2 percent relaxation in the minimum class attendance requirement, as outlined in a recent notification.

As per the directives from the Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the university has adopted these measures to support the well-being of its female students.

The official statement from the university reads, “Following the directives of MWCD, the Vice-Chancellor is pleased to allow a relaxation of 2 percent for female students as menstrual leave in the minimum class attendance for the academic departments of Gauhati University and its affiliated colleges.”

Under the existing guidelines, students are typically required to maintain a minimum of 75 percent attendance in classes to be eligible for semester examinations. With the newly introduced provisions, female students will now be permitted to sit for semester examinations even with 73 percent attendance.

The university authorities emphasize that this initiative marks a positive beginning and sends a constructive message to society regarding menstrual health. An official remarked, “Menstrual health is an important issue that should be handled with sensitivity, and this move aims to contribute to a more understanding and supportive environment.”

Kerala is the first state int he country to introduce menstrual leave for the female students in all the universities in the January this year .