Gauhati University introduces menstrual leave for female students

Digital Desk: Following the directives of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Gauhati University on Friday introduced menstrual leave for its female students.

Menstrual leave was initially made accessible to female students at the Cochin University of Science and Technology in the Indian state of Kerala in January 2023. This move was made in response to a request from the university's students' union.

Following a notification from the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Education, GU has complied with the same criteria.

The notification states that there will be a two per cent waiver in the minimum class attendance requirement for female students enrolled in the university's academic departments and its affiliated colleges.

This implies that rather than requiring 75% attendance, students will be permitted to sit for the semester exams with a 73% attendance rate.

The notification reads, “As per directives of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India vide letter No. F.O. 17-8/2023/U.5 dated 16.08.2023 subject to ratification in the Executive Council, Gauhati University, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, G.U. is pleased to allow relaxation of 2% for female students as ‘menstrual leave’ in minimum class attendance for the academic departments of Gauhati University as well as for the affiliated colleges.”