Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT regarding Menstrual and maternity leaves for girl students in all universities in Kerala?

1. The Higher Education Department issued an order in January 2023 granting menstrual leave for students under all the higher education institutions in Kerala.

2. Girl students can now appear for their semester exams with 70 per cent attendance as against the 75 per cent mandated under the University Rules.

3. Cochin University of Science and Technology was the first to announce the groundbreaking gender -sensitive education reform.

4. The Higher Education Department also grants a pregnancy leave of 60 days maximum for all girl students above the age of 21.

Correct option is B

Statement 1: In January 2023, the Kerala Higher Education Department officially issued an order mandating menstrual leave across all state-run universities and colleges, after a successful initiative by CUSAT.

Statement 3: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) pioneered this reform, making it the first Indian university to offer menstrual leave to female students.

• Kerala became the first state in India to bring menstrual leave under formal academic policy.

• The decision came after widespread student campaigns and discussions on gender-sensitive reforms.

• The policy was aimed at promoting mental and physical wellness among female students.

• The initiative sparked similar debates in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.

• ​Maternity Leave Provision: Female students aged 18 and above are entitled to up to 60 days of maternity leave during their course of study.​