The University of Punjab (PU) in Chandigarh would be the first to have a policy of granting free menstruation packages to female students. The respective program allows menstrual leave to woman students, which is a score of the progress for securing their well-being. This plan, introduced by the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Mrs. Renure, is now the subject of a review session to be held by the university senate later in the proceedings.
Through a circular issued by the dean of university instruction (DUI) of the university, Rumina Sketti, all the required details of the menstrual leave policy are shared. Missing female students will have one day leave per calendar month, provided that at least a term of 15 days has occurred. On the flip side, some criteria are attached to this leave category.
A student is permitted to be absent for a maximum of four menstrual leaves throughout the traditional semester, no more than on the teaching days. A student can be absent for up to four menstrual leaves per semester, with the condition that they are absent only on teaching days and not exceeding the traditional semester days. It has to be highlighted that one can have this leaf only in his bag during examinations, like mid-semester, end-system, and practical.
That would necessitate students to fill in a form at their department office to be granted menstrual leave. Among other things, leave application should be lodged within 5 business working days of the student’s absence. The honor of menstrual leave will be allocated on self-certification by the student and approval of the chairperson or director of the department.
This situation therefore is an outcomes of lengthy process, wherein a committee chaired by the vice chancellor were tackling the issue under the supervision of the dean of university instruction. The committee reviewed a few proposals from some other universities that have already implemented the menstrual leave policies.
