In a first in Kerala, the Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) has decided to grant maternity leave of 60 days to degree and post graduate students of 18 years and above so that they can continue their studies without any interruptions.

The decision was taken on Friday in a Syndicate meeting chaired by Pro Vice Chancellor CT Aravinda Kumar. According to the university, maternity leave can be taken before or after delivery, but will be granted only for the first or second pregnancy and only once during the duration of a course. The period of leave will include public and ordinary holidays and no other leave can be clubbed with it. A leave of 14 days will be granted in cases of abortion, tubectomy etc, read the press note released by MGU.