Odisha announces one-day menstrual leave for women in public, private sectors

The Odisha government on Thursday said that women working in both private and government jobs will be granted one-day menstrual leave, The Indian Express reported.

With this, Odisha has become the third state after Kerala and Bihar to introduce such a policy.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida made the announcement at an event to celebrate Independence Day at Cuttack.

“Earlier menstrual leave was not allowed,” Parida said. “Now, it would be optional for the working women to avail leave on the first or second day of the menstrual cycle. It will be applied for both the government and private sector employees.”