Kerala HC bats for menstrual leave for KSRTC women conductors

Kochi, Jul 29 (PTI) The Kerala High Court has asked the state government to consider providing menstrual leave to women conductors in the state-run KSRTC, saying it would promote employee welfare, enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism and foster a more inclusive workplace.

Justice Viju Abraham said severe menstrual symptoms may substantially affect women conductors' health, dignity and ability to perform their duties efficiently.

"A limited provision for menstrual leave would promote employee welfare, reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity, and foster a more inclusive workplace," the court said.

"In view of the nature of their duties and working conditions, the government may consider introducing an appropriate policy providing menstrual leave to women conductors, subject to such conditions and safeguards as may be deemed appropriate," it added.

The suggestion was made while considering a joint plea filed by three women conductors of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and an organisation working for the welfare of its employees and their families.

The petitioners had contended that women conductors have to work long hours, ranging from 8 to 16 hours a day, and must constantly move through crowded buses to issue tickets and collect fares.

They had claimed that women conductors face significant challenges during menstruation due to long working hours, lack of access to clean toilet facilities with water at various depots, insufficient rest periods and an inadequate disposal system for menstrual products — leading to physical discomfort, health issues and emotional distress.

The petitioners had also told the court that around 3,000 women staff work in the operating sector of KSRTC.

They told the court that a representation had been sent to the government highlighting their grievances and seeking adoption of a menstrual leave policy for women employees in KSRTC, but no decision had been taken on it.

The court, after hearing the contentions, said menstrual leave was a progressive welfare measure that recognises the physical and psychological impact of menstruation on women employees.

"Women conductors in KSRTC perform physically demanding duties involving prolonged standing, continuous movement, long working hours, and limited access to hygienic restroom facilities," it noted.

The court disposed of the plea, directing the government to consider and pass orders on the representation without delay, preferably within three months from the date of receipt of the court's judgment. PTI