The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has firmly told the High Court that it cannot grant menstrual leave to its women conductors, citing financial constraints and the risk of serious disruption to bus services across the state.
Responding to a petition filed by women conductors seeking two days of menstrual leave per month, KSRTC argued that implementing such a policy would place an additional operational and financial burden on the already stressed public transport system. The corporation maintained that the move could significantly affect daily services and passenger convenience.
KSRTC informed the court that, under the current circumstances, it is not in a position to absorb the impact of such a leave policy and therefore cannot accede to the demand.
The issue, however, gains contrast in light of developments in neighbouring Karnataka. The Karnataka government has introduced one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees of its transport corporation. Notably, the policy does not require a medical certificate and applies to women employees aged 18 to 52 years. The decision has been implemented from this year, adding momentum to the ongoing debate on menstrual leave policies in public institutions.
