Kerala’s New UDF Government Rolls Out Bold Pro-Women Reforms

Thiruvananthapuram: After announcing free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15, the newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has introduced a couple of pathbreaking measures, including free menstrual leave for school students and equal pay for women in workplaces.

These pro-women initiatives were outlined in the policy address delivered by Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar during the first session of the 16th Kerala Assembly on Friday. Another major move was the announcement of a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for girl students in colleges to support their higher education.

The government also plans to frame Child Care Rules under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, to ensure that public offices, industrial establishments, IT parks, and institutions with more than 50 employees set up safe and high-quality daycare centres and creches.

The highlight of the policy address was the "Menstrual Dignity" project, aimed at making educational institutions and public spaces more inclusive and girl-friendly. As part of the initiative, the government plans to introduce up to three days of menstrual leave every month for school students, along with weekend catch-up classes to ensure they don’t fall behind academically.

The policy address also promised steps to implement equal pay for women in workplaces. Public restroom facilities for women will be set up across major towns in Kerala, while women working in the unorganised sector will receive special benefits, including six months of maternity leave. The government also intends to make essential items like sanitary napkins and footwear for women more accessible.

A comprehensive scheme to transform women into a major force in Kerala's farming economy will be implemented by identifying existing potential women farmers in each panchayat. The programmes will integrate women into the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, and distribution. A Women Farmers Consortium will also be launched this year to mobilise lakhs of individual women farmers and women-led collectives, according to the government’s address.

Earlier, the Governor began his address by praising the UDF-led government, saying people had voted for transparent governance and the restoration of public confidence in institutions. The government had embarked on its journey by reaffirming unity and cooperation among all sections of society. “To work together is better than to work alone; to work together for the common good is best for all,” the Governor quoted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.