Kerala: In a first, a university in Kerala has decided to grant menstrual leave to its female students. Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has taken the decision following a representation from the students’ union of the university. This is the first time in Kerala that menstrual leave is granted for students.

As the varsity issued an order in this regard, the long-pending demand of the female students has been addressed. This will benefit more than 4,000 students studying in various streams, including PhD, at the university.

The female students at Cusat can claim menstrual benefits in the form of additional condonation of shortage of attendance. An additional leave benefit of 2 per cent will be allowed in each semester.

At present, only those who have 75 per cent attendance can write the semester exams. If the attendance is less than this, then it is mandatory to submit an application to the Vice-Chancellor and produce a medical certificate. However, a medical certificate is not required for menstrual leave and students just must submit an application. With menstrual leave giving two per cent condonation of shortage of attendance, the mandatory attendance for female students would be 73 per cent.

The students’ Union of the University, led by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), had demanded that the university should allow menstrual leave. The decision was made following the intervention of the Union.

The Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, again in a first in the state, decided to grant 60 days maternity leave to its degree and post graduate students last month.