The Kerala government has proposed menstrual leave for schoolgirls, workplace childcare facilities and several women-centric welfare measures
May 29, 2026: The Kerala government has announced a series of women and child-friendly initiatives, including a proposal to provide up to three days of monthly menstrual leave for schoolgirls. The announcement was made in the policy address of the new government led by V. D. Satheesan, which was read out in the State Assembly by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Under the proposed “Menstrual Dignity” project, the government aims to make educational institutions and public spaces more friendly for girls and women. The policy also includes weekend catch-up classes for students taking menstrual leave to ensure that their studies are not affected. Additionally, the government plans to implement Child Care Rules under the Maternity Benefit Act, requiring workplaces with more than 50 employees to provide safe and high-quality daycare centres and crèches.
The government further announced several welfare measures aimed at improving women’s safety, health and employment conditions. These include equal pay initiatives, public restroom facilities in major towns, maternity leave benefits for women in the unorganised sector, and improved access to sanitary napkins and other necessities. Kerala also plans to promote adoption campaigns and foster family networks under its “Destitute and Orphan-Free Kerala Initiative,” with the goal of becoming India’s first orphan-free state.