Odisha introduces 1-day paid menstrual leave

Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced on Thursday that state government and private sector employees will be entitled to one day of paid menstrual leave. The leave will be optional.

 

Parida, who also oversees the women and child development department, revealed the new policy following an Independence Day event in Cuttack. Women employees may take the leave on either the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.

 

The move comes after Ranjita Priyadarshini, an activist from Odisha, highlighted the issue at the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024 in Nairobi. Priyadarshini, along with an Odia girl, called for paid menstrual leave, stressing that many women experience significant physical discomfort during their periods.