Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 27: The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has initiated the process of drafting a framework for menstrual leave in the state, following the government’s indication that it is considering such a policy for working women.
The move comes within two days after State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced that the government was mulling the introduction of menstrual leave. The Commission held its first round of discussions with experts from various fields in Mumbai on Friday February 27, 2026.
Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar said that one round of consultations would not suffice. “We will soon have another round and a framework will be created. It will be submitted to the State government thereafter,” she said.
Chakankar noted that some states and private companies have already implemented menstrual leave policies. She pointed out that Bihar was the first state to introduce menstrual leave in 1992. She said discussions are underway on whether such leave should apply only to government establishments or extend to other sectors as well. She also highlighted that over the past six months, the Commission has been working on menstrual rights for women engaged in sugarcane cutting labour.
Neelam Gorhe, chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and senior Shiv Sena leader, stressed the importance of building consensus and preparing a carefully worded draft that does not discriminate against women or reinforce stigma.
Chakankar said the debate extends beyond menstruation and touches upon women’s health, hygiene, dignity, access to resources and equality. She acknowledged mixed societal reactions, with some welcoming the move as necessary while others fear it may lead to perceptions of women being inferior or needing concessions.
Advocate Audrey D’Mello from Majlis raised concerns that private companies might hesitate to hire women if such leave is mandated. Referring to the extension of maternity leave from three to six months in the past, she questioned whether similar employment concerns could arise. However, she argued that menstrual leave could fall under positive discrimination permitted by Article 15(3) of the Constitution, which empowers the state to make special provisions for women and children.
Former Women’s Commission chief Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar suggested that political parties include menstrual leave as a promise in their election manifestos. She emphasised the need to change societal attitudes and said constitutional provisions such as Articles 21, 15 and 32 could support such legislation.
Joint Commissioner of the Maharashtra Labour Department Shireen Lokhande underlined the principle of “treating unequals as unequals” to ensure equitable treatment for women. She said existing laws such as the Shops and Establishments Act and the Factories Act could be amended to incorporate menstrual leave.
Several experts called for de-stigmatising menstrual leave to ensure women feel comfortable availing it. Some suggested that, if approved, the leave should be flexible and optional, depending on medical needs.
Vandana Georaikar, Deputy Collector of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, said research indicates that menstrual leave could positively impact productivity. Among those present at the discussion were senior IPS officer Aswathi Dorje, gynaecologist Rajshri Katke, sports trainer and international athlete Puja Surve, gender rights and mental health activist Laxmi Yadav, and Neena Sawant, head of psychiatry at Nair Hospital.
Further consultations are expected before the Commission submits its final framework to the state government.