Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Minister for Higher Education, Dr R Bindu, has said 'menstrual leave' for female students introduced by CUSAT will be extended to all universities in the state.

The minister said the state committee of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) has submitted a proposal in this regard.

"Steps will be taken to introduce menstrual leave in all universities," the minister said in a Facebook post. "The initiative by the SFI-led students' union of CUSAT will be spread across the state.

"It is the first time an educational institution in Kerala has introduced menstrual leave. The students' union and the CUSAT management who made it possible deserve praise.

Minister Bindu empathised with the female students for whom 'menstruation is a period of mood swings'. "I know very well the difficulties faced by female students during those days," the minister said.

"Every student needs at least 75% attendance per semester to sit for exams. But, with the introduction of menstrual leave, CUSAT has reduced that to 73%. Extending the same to all universities will be a great relief for female students," she added.

Tech varsity introduces facility 

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, formerly Kerala Tech University, has also announced that it will provide menstrual leave for its female students. This will be applicable to all Engineering colleges affiliated to the  university. The decision was taken at a syndicate meeting on Tuesday.