Chanakya National Law University approves menstrual leave, flexible course completion policies

NEW DELHI: The Chanakya National Law University's executive council met on December 17, 2024, and approved several policy changes. Among the most notable is the introduction of a menstrual leave policy for female students, addressing their health needs during menstruation. The council also agreed to a flexible course completion policy, allowing students to either fast-track their education or complete it at their own pace.

These changes come as part of a broader move to improve student well-being and academic flexibility. Faizan Mustafa, vice-chancellor, highlighted that the policies aim to reduce academic stress and allow students to manage their personal and academic lives better.

"In a historic decision and particularly taking note of difficulties faced by the students, the council approved the proposal of allowing students to complete the course at their own pace. Students can also fast track completion of courses by opting more than the required courses per year," read the Chanakya NLU’s official press release.

Approved new LLM regulations

Additionally, the council introduced new LLM regulations with a focus on research, with more than 50% of the curriculum dedicated to research.

The official meeting was attended by former education minister and present advocate general, P K Sahi; secretary, education cepartment, Govt of Bihar, Baidya Nath Yadav, IAS; law secretary, Anjani Kumar Singh; Manoj Kumar Sinha, vice- chancellor, Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, Ali Mehdi, former dean, faculty of law, Banaras Hindu University and Ramakant Sharma, senior advocate and chairman Bihar State Bar Council.

Also read Sikkim University allows one day menstrual leave for female students

New academic programmes in cyber security

The meeting also saw approval for new academic programmes in cyber security and digital forensics. These programmes are intended to meet the growing demand in these fields, and training sessions in forensics will also be offered to law enforcement agencies.

Faculty Recruitment: Preference for candidates with foreign degrees

Through an official press release, Chanakya NLU also announced that in faculty recruitment, there will be a preference for candidates with degrees from international institutions.

The official press release read, “The education secretary promised all help from the government in the transformation of the university into an island of academic excellence.” Finally, the council acknowledged improvements in the university's infrastructure and teaching programmes, and welcomed changes lately introduced in its teaching learning programmes.