Sikkim University has taken a progressive step by granting one day of menstrual leave per month to its female students. This decision, formalized through a notification issued on December 4, followed a representation by the Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA), which had advocated for the move last month.
Registrar Laxuman Sharma stated in the notification that the Vice-Chancellor approved the menstrual leave policy, aiming to support the health and well-being of female students.
“The Vice-Chancellor has been pleased to allow one-day menstrual leave in a month for girl/women students of Sikkim University except during university examinations,” the notification read.
The leave policy is designed to accommodate the challenges faced by female students during menstruation without compromising their academic performance.
The leave availed under this provision will be adjusted against the mandatory 75% attendance requirement for semester examinations, ensuring that students can balance their health needs with academic obligations.
This initiative positions Sikkim University among a growing number of educational institutions in India that recognize the importance of menstrual health.
Other universities offering similar leave policies include Gauhati University, Cochin University, Punjab University, National Law Institute University, and Maharashtra National Law University.
The move has been widely welcomed as a step toward gender-sensitive educational practices, addressing a topic often overlooked in academic institutions.
Advocates hope it will set an example for other universities to implement similar policies, fostering a supportive environment for female students nationwide.
