GUWAHATI: Female police personnel in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, will now receive menstrual leave each month, a pioneering initiative for the region.
The Itanagar Capital Region Police recently issued an official memorandum under SP (Capital) Rohit Rajbir Singh, allowing female officers to take one day of special leave, specifically during the first or second day of their menstrual cycle. This development has brought into focus the challenges and needs of female police officers elsewhere in the region, particularly in Assam, where similar measures have yet to be introduced.
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The absence of menstrual leave in Assam’s police force is raising questions about workplace equality and the well-being of female officers, many of whom work in physically demanding roles such as traffic control and frontline law enforcement. Menstrual health advocates argue that providing leave for women during their cycle’s most challenging days can boost morale, improve overall productivity, and foster a more inclusive work environment.
A retired Assam police official, speaking to GPlus under anonymity said, “This should have been a priority for Assam women police officials because there are many women working in demanding roles, including traffic control. These duties require standing long hours in all weather, which is especially tough for women dealing with menstrual pain,” she explained.
According the former official, Assam’s law enforcement has made strides in recruiting and training women, but policies like menstrual leave could ensure better working conditions and more respect for their needs.
Guwahati traffic police officers, who interact with female colleagues daily, have also expressed empathy for their female counterparts.
Another male Guwahati traffic official talking to GPlus said, “We as male officers find it difficult to manage the long hours and tough conditions. Just think about what it must be like for female officers who have additional physical challenges during their cycles.”
Currently, the Assam Police does not provide menstrual leave to active-duty female personnel, though training officers can access it during their training period. This policy, however, does not extend beyond the academy, leaving female officers on the field without the same consideration.
However, talking to GPlus, a senior official from Assam Police acknowledged the current limitations, adding that there is room for improvement to make policies more inclusive. “For the last 30 years, Assam’s training facilities have granted menstrual leave to female trainees. But once they are on duty, there are no specific provisions,” the official confirmed.
India has seen a gradual shift in its approach toward menstrual health policies. In 2017, Bihar became the first Indian state to introduce a two-day menstrual leave policy for female government employees, setting a precedent for other states to consider similar measures. As the state of Arunachal Pradesh steps forward with this policy in Itanagar, Assam’s silence on the matter has become more conspicuous. Female police personnel in Assam, as well as their advocates, hope this new initiative will push the state government to consider their needs and explore policies that ensure a healthier, more supportive work environment.
