Maharashtra Women’s Commission begins work on menstrual leave framework

Maharashtra State Commission for Women has started the process to draft a framework for menstrual leave in the State. The move comes within two days after State Health Minister Prakash Abiktar announced that the government was mulling the introduction of menstrual leave for working women. The commission held the first round of discussion with experts from several fields in Mumbai on Friday (February 27, 2026).

“Only one round of talks is not enough. We will soon have another round and a framework will be created. It will be submitted to the State government thereafter,” Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, said on Friday.

She said that a few States and private companies have already taken a lead in the matter. “Bihar was the first State to bring in menstrual leave in 1992. We need to think about whether this leave should be applicable only in government establishments or in other places too. The Women’s Commission has started working for the menstrual rights of the sugarcane cutting labourer women in the past six months,” she said.

Maharashtra Legislative Council chairperson and senior Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe, who has been working on women’s rights for four decades, said it was important to reach a consensus and prepare a “carefully worded” draft that does not discriminate against women or cause more stigma.

“This discussion is not just about menstruation, but about women’s health and hygiene. It is associated with women’s dignity, the availability of resources, (and) the equality she should enjoy. The society gives a mixed response. On one hand, some say it is important. On the other hand, some say that it leads to discrimination as women then prove that they are inferior and need concessions, though they speak of empowerment,” Ms. Chakankar said.

Some speakers expressed apprehension that the policy might lead to discrimination against women and private companies might decide against hiring women. “When maternity leave was increased from three months to six months, many companies thought about their employment policies. At a time when the issue is still a taboo, will women not be employed due to this,” asked advocate Audrey D’Mello from Majlis, an organisation which works for women. She said it is the constitutional right of women, as it can be a part of positive discrimination which comes under the Fundamental Rights under Article 15(3) of the Constitution. This provision empowers the government to make laws for the welfare of women and children.

‘Include it in manifestos’

Lawyer and former women’s panel head Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar said since parties seek votes from women, they should include menstrual leave as a poll promise in their election manifestos. She emphasised on the change in societal mindset to not consider this issue a taboo. Reflecting on how the constitutional provisions can be utilised to bring in the legislation, she said that the Fundamental Rights under Article 21 (which pertains to the right to life, liberty and dignity) cannot be delinked with Article 15 (non-discrimination) and Article 32 (right to constitutional remedies).

Maharashtra Labour Department’s joint commissioner Shireen Lokhande highlighted the need for “treating unequals as unequals” so that women get equitable treatment. She said the Shops and Establishments Act, and the Factory Act can be modified for the inclusion of menstrual leave.

Several experts highlighted the need to de-stigmatise the leave, if approved, so that women will be comfortable to seek leave for menstruation. Some expressed the opinion that it should be a flexible and optional leave, which women can take as per their medical requirement. Vandana Georaikar, Deputy Collector of Slum Rehabilitation Authority, who had presented a research paper last year on the financial impact of women’s absence due to menstruation, said the leave will have a positive impact on the productivity of women.

Senior IPS officer Aswathi Dorje, ADG (Prevention of Atrocities against Women and Children); renowned gynaecologist Rajshri Katke; former Women’s Commission chief Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar; sports trainer and international athlete Puja Surve; gender rights and mental health activist Laxmi Yadav; Neena Sawant, head of the department of psychiatry, Nair Hospital were among the prominent women leaders present in the discussion.