J&K to decide on menstrual leave after Centre notifies model policy

Srinagar, Feb, 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that a decision on providing paid menstrual leave to working women in the Union Territory will be taken only after the Centre finalises a model policy on the issue.

Replying to a question tabled by MLA Ali Mohamad Dar in the Assembly on whether the government contemplates providing paid monthly menstrual leave in favour of all working women irrespective of their employment terms and nature of work, the government said the matter is currently under consideration at the national level.

“Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, is in the process of framing a Model Policy on Menstrual Leave and Vide communication No. WW-16/17/2024-WW (F-116334) dated 02.06.2025, comments have been sought from all States and Union Territories,” the written reply said.

It added that any decision in Jammu and Kashmir would follow the Centre’s notification. “Once the Model Policy on Menstrual Leave is notified by the Government of India, it will be examined with respect to its applicability and implementation in respect of working women in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir,” the reply said.

The government’s response does not announce any existing provision for paid menstrual leave in the Union Territory and makes clear that the administration will examine the policy only after it is formally notified by the Centre.