The Odisha government has taken a significant step to support women employees in the state by increasing their annual casual leave entitlement.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida recently announced that women employees will now enjoy 27 days of casual leave, up from the previous 15 days.
This move aims to address additional challenges and family responsibilities faced by women in the workplace.
Odisha Period Leave Policy Details
Women employees in Odisha will now receive 12 additional days of casual leave annually.
This enhancement is in addition to the existing leaves they were entitled to.
Previously, women had 10 days of casual leave and five days of special casual leave.
With this new policy, they can now avail a total of 27 days of casual leave per year.
Notably, Deputy CM Pravati Parida had also announced earlier that women employees would be entitled to one day of menstrual leave every month.
This provision recognizes the challenges women face due to their menstrual cycles and aims to create a more supportive work environment.
The move is commendable as it acknowledges that many women experience severe discomfort, pain, and fatigue during their periods.
Allowing period leave can contribute to improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
However, some women have expressed concerns about potential embarrassment due to the topic’s social stigma.
Menstruation remains a taboo subject in many workplaces, and some worry that taking period leave might lead to unnecessary attention or judgment.
Reactions and Alternatives
Lipika Samal, a government employee, praised the proactive step, emphasizing that period leave can enhance productivity by allowing women to rest during challenging times.
On the other hand, Arati Nayak, another employee, highlighted the potential embarrassment associated with discussing menstruation openly in the workplace.
Apart from Odisha, Kerala and Bihar have also implemented menstrual leave policies, recognizing the unique needs of women during their menstrual cycles.
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