Jahanvi Agarwal
Recently, the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, and the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad, have adopted progressive menstrual leave policies to support their students. The new policy at NLIU Bhopal is inclusive, extending to gender non-conforming students who menstruate.
Under this policy, students can apply for menstrual leave for up to six classes per subject per semester. However, they must maintain a minimum attendance of 65% in each subject, even accounting for days taken off due to menstrual discomfort. The leave is capped at two classes per subject per month within a five-day period.
“This is a big initiative and we all welcome this move,” said NILU Bhopal Student Bar Association President, Nripraj Bhati.
This landmark initiative not only showcases the influence of student-led endeavours but also underscores the Student Bar Association’s pivotal role in advocating for inclusivity.
For students with irregular menstruation syndromes or menstrual disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the policy allows flexible leave applications within the maximum cap.
To benefit from this policy, students must submit an application form for menstrual leave. Those with irregular menstruation syndromes need a medical certificate approved by the University Doctor.
At MNLU Aurangabad, the Executive Council has approved (in principle) a similar menstrual leave policy proposed by the Student Bar Council. Although the policy is pending notification, it will allow beneficiaries to take one menstrual leave per month without requiring a medical certificate. Students must meet a minimum attendance criterion of 67%.
Vishwajeet Nimbalkar, President of the Student Bar Association at MNLU Aurangabad, highlighted the importance of this student-led initiative for gender justice within the university.
He stated, “The menstrual leave policy is aimed at achieving gender justice in the University. We raised this demand in August 2023 and received in-principle approval last week. The draft has been approved by the Executive Council without changes and is awaiting formal notification.”
In recent times, DNLU Jabalpur, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NLUJA Assam have also implemented menstrual leave policies to support their student communities.