Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala government to consider introducing paid menstrual leave for women KSRTC conductors. The Court asked the State to take a decision on a representation seeking two days of paid menstrual leave every month within three months. The order highlights women’s health, dignity, and humane working conditions as important workplace rights.
KSRTC Conductors Paid Menstrual Leave: Kerala High Court Directs Government To Decide Within 3 Months
Justice Viju Abraham passed the order while hearing a petition filed by women conductors working for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The Court did not order immediate implementation of menstrual leave. Instead, it directed the State government to examine the request and issue a decision within three months.
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KSRTC Conductors Paid Menstrual Leave: Why Did The Court Consider The Request Important
The Court noted that the work of KSRTC conductors is physically demanding. Women conductors often have to:
- Stand for long hours.
- Move continuously inside crowded buses.
- Issue tickets throughout the journey.
- Work without proper access to clean toilets or rest facilities.
The Court observed that these conditions become even more difficult during menstruation.
Court Calls Menstrual Leave A Progressive Welfare Measure
Justice Viju Abraham said menstrual leave should be seen as a progressive welfare measure that recognises the physical and mental impact of menstruation. According to the Court, such a policy supports women’s dignity, health, and humane working conditions. The order also referred to constitutional protections under Articles 21, 15(3), and 42, which promote the welfare and safety of women employees.
KSRTC Conductors Paid Menstrual Leave: What The Petitioners Said
The petition was filed by three women conductors—Asha SS, Sreena S, and Sajala M—along with the Forum for Justice (FFJ), KSRTC Employees and Family Welfare Society.
They told the Court that conductors regularly work 8 to 16 hours a day and often do not have access to clean toilets, proper rest areas, or menstrual hygiene facilities. The petitioners also pointed out that Karnataka, Bihar, and Odisha have introduced menstrual leave policies for women employees.
Kerala Already Provides Menstrual Leave To Students
The petitioners argued that Kerala has already introduced menstrual leave for women students in universities. However, a similar benefit is not available to women employed in KSRTC or most other government services. They requested the State to introduce a similar policy for women conductors.
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