Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) seeks the state government’s response on menstrual leave, workplace welfare, and menstrual health support for women employees and female students, citing Supreme Court observations and policies adopted by several Indian states.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission has asked the state government to clarify whether any policy discussions or proposals are under consideration regarding menstrual leave and related welfare measures for women employees and female students in the state.
The commission, headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, took suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued directions to the state administration seeking details about any existing or proposed measures connected to menstrual health, workplace accommodation, attendance relaxation, and welfare support.
In its order, the commission referred to observations made by the Supreme Court of India in connection with two writ petitions filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi regarding menstrual leave for women employees and students.
According to the commission, the apex court had acknowledged that the issue involves several policy dimensions and requires consultation between the Union government, state governments, and stakeholders before a final framework can be developed. The court had also observed that state governments are free to independently take decisions on the matter if they choose to do so.
The commission noted that India currently has no central law mandating menstrual leave for women employees or female students. However, it highlighted that a number of states and educational institutions have already introduced measures aimed at supporting menstrual health and workplace welfare for women.
Among the examples cited was the long-standing policy in Bihar, where women government employees have been entitled to two days of menstrual leave per month since 1992. The commission also referred to initiatives in Kerala, where female students in educational institutions are provided menstrual leave and attendance relaxation facilities.
In addition, the commission mentioned the menstrual leave policy approved in Karnataka in 2025, which reportedly provides one day of paid menstrual leave every month for women working in both the public and private sectors.
The order further observed that legislative attempts had also been made at the national level. These include the Menstruation Benefits Bill, 2017 and the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022. However, neither proposal has yet become law.
The commission emphasized that menstrual health and dignity are closely connected with the fundamental rights of women, including the right to equality, health, dignity, and humane working conditions guaranteed under the Constitution.
It further stated that the issue deserves careful examination in the context of workplace welfare and educational accessibility, especially for women employees and female students who may face physical discomfort and social challenges during menstruation.
As part of its directions, the commission has instructed that a copy of the order be sent to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Tripura. The administration has been asked to collect information from the relevant departments and submit a response within 30 days.
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The state government has specifically been directed to clarify whether any policy decisions, departmental discussions, proposals, action plans, or welfare schemes relating to menstrual leave and menstrual health support are currently under consideration.
The development has once again brought the broader national debate over menstrual leave policies into focus. Supporters of such measures argue that menstrual leave can improve workplace inclusivity, health support, and educational participation for women, while critics have raised concerns about implementation challenges and the possibility of workplace discrimination.
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With the Tripura Human Rights Commission formally seeking the government’s stand, attention is now likely to remain on whether the state will move toward introducing structured menstrual welfare measures in the coming months.
