Hooghly rural police on Tuesday announced a one-day menstrual leave for female cops, including home guards, village police and civic volunteers.

"A group of female police personnel who met me on Raksha Bandhan day expressed their concerns about the challenges they face during their menstrual cycle. The leave is optional and any female personnel of the Hooghly rural police can avail it on short notice," said Kamanasish Sen, the superintendent of the Hooghly rural police district.

"All the female police personnel as well as lady sahayak personnel (LNVF/LHG/LVP/LCV) who are facing the physical and emotional challenge during their menstrual cycle in their daily work, one day permission leave may be availed. The leave will be optional and can be taken either on the first or the second day of the menstrual cycle, depending on the preference," the order issued by Sen reads.

A senior police officer said the menstrual leave was needed for women cops, who comprise around 25-30 per cent of the total force in the district.

"Most police personnel, particularly those posted in police stations, have to work long stretches without leave. According to protocol, it takes time for their superiors to grant leave. In the case of menstrual leave, they can just send a text message and take the day off once a month," said a senior police officer in Hooghly.

Another senior police officer has noted that since district authorities can't announce new leave policies, those who take menstrual leave will have it adjusted against their regular allotment, such as casual or earned leaves.

On Independence Day this year, Odisha deputy chief minister Pravati Parida had announced a one-day menstrual leave for women working in both government and private sectors.