Finance
The Odisha government has announced an additional casual leave (CL) bonus for female employees to help them with menstruation. Under the new policy, female employees are now entitled to an additional 12 days of casual leave per year (one day per month), in addition to the 15 days they previously receive yearly.
According to the official statement, this additional leave will be available to female employees up to the age of 55. Each monthly leave is non-transferable, which means that if not used during the month, it expires and cannot be carried forward.
This new provision replaces the previous finance department memorandum released in March 2024, which provided for an additional 10 days of CL in addition to the standard 10 days of casual leave and 5 days of special casual leave.
The Odisha government’s decision indicates a growing realization of the need for supportive workplace rules that address the health and well-being of female employees, specifically the physical discomfort associated with menstruation.
