Jahanvi Agarwal
NALSAR, Hyderabad, a pioneer in legal education, has taken an important step towards improving campus inclusion and wellbeing of students, with the introduction of a novel menstruation leave policy for its students. The institution’s dedication to the welfare of its students was demonstrated on October 5, when this policy was approved during a meeting.
Crafted by the diligent Menstrual Leave Policy Group (MLPG), the policy is a holistic approach aimed at not only granting menstrual leave but also ensuring the availability of specialized medical facilities and sanitary napkin dispensers for faculty, students, and staff. This policy’s essence lies in providing menstruating individuals with the means to address their reproductive health needs without compromising their educational pursuits.
Its working is that the students can claim one day of menstrual leave every month within an academic semester, with slight variations for even and odd semesters. In every trimester, three days of leave can be availed. Importantly, the policy maintains an attendance requirement of not less than 67%, even when accounting for medical leave taken during the same semester.
Remarkably, the policy puts trust in the students by eliminating the need for medical proof or any other documentation. A simple self-certification suffices for claiming menstrual leave. This progressive policy extends its benevolence to students pursuing LL.B., LL.M., IPM, and MBA programs at NALSAR University.
In a harmonious synchrony with evolving times, Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, has also taken the laudable step of introducing menstrual leave for its students on campus. Together, these institutions champion a more inclusive and compassionate educational landscape.