Patna:The Bihar government has approved a new special leave policy for women working on contractual and outsourcing arrangements, extending a benefit previously available mainly to regular government employees.
Under the policy, women employed through contractual appointments, BELTRON and outsourcing agencies will be entitled to two days of special leave every month. The decision is expected to benefit more than 1.5 lakh women workers across the state.
Bihar claims first such move for contractual staff
According to the state government, Bihar has become the first state in the country to provide two days of monthly special leave to women employed under contractual and outsourcing systems.
The provision is similar to the “menstrual leave” policy already available to regular women government employees in the state.
Background of Bihar’s period leave policy
Bihar introduced special leave for regular women employees in 1992 during the tenure of former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. The policy provided two days of leave every month for women staff.
Recently, Karnataka also announced a period leave policy for women employees in government and private sectors, though it provides one day of leave per month.
Decision comes amid debate over work timings
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions over working hours for women employees in Bihar.
A recent communication from the chief secretary’s office reportedly stated that regular women government employees would work until 5pm, while contractual and outsourced women staff were expected to remain on duty until 6pm.
The new leave policy was announced through the BJP’s official social media platforms and has drawn positive responses from women’s groups and employee organisations.
Several women’s organisations said the measure would support the health, dignity and workplace welfare of women employees.
