Kerala Government Unveils Sweeping Women and Child Welfare Reforms Including Menstrual Leave for Schoolgirls

The proposals were outlined in the policy address of the newly formed V D Satheesan-led government, which was read out in the State Assembly on Friday by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

The Governor stated that the government’s commitment to girl students is being advanced through a flagship programme titled “Menstrual Dignity”, under which educational institutions and public spaces are intended to be made more inclusive and supportive for girls and women. As part of this initiative, the government plans to introduce up to three days of monthly menstrual leave for school students, coupled with weekend catch-up classes to ensure that academic progress is not affected.

The policy address further announced the formulation of Child Care Rules as mandated under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Under this framework, all public offices, industrial establishments, information technology parks, and workplaces employing more than 50 people will be required to operate safe, high-quality daycare centres and creches for children.

In another significant social welfare measure, the government introduced the Destitute and Orphan-Free Kerala Initiative. The programme aims to promote adoption drives and establish a structured network of trained and adequately compensated foster families under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, with the objective of making Kerala the first “orphan-free” state in India.

Reaffirming the government’s broader social vision, the Governor stated that Kerala will be transformed into the most woman-friendly state in the country. The policy includes measures to ensure equal pay for women in workplaces, expansion of public restroom facilities across major towns in the state, and enhanced welfare support for women in the unorganised sector.

The government also proposed six months of maternity leave for women working in the unorganised sector, alongside measures to ensure the availability of essential items such as sanitary napkins, footwear, and other basic necessities for women.

These initiatives collectively reflect a comprehensive policy push toward gender equality, child welfare, and social protection, marking a significant expansion of Kerala’s welfare framework.