Karnataka has officially approved the "Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025," granting women across various sectors one day of paid leave per month, amounting to 12 days annually. This landmark decision positions Karnataka as the first state in India to extend such a provision to both government and private sector employees. The policy aims to ensure the well-being of women employees and foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
The policy applies to women working in government offices, garment industries, multinational companies, IT firms, and other private organizations throughout the state. The Karnataka Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, hailed the policy as a "progressive new law" that demonstrates the government's commitment to women's welfare, acknowledging the multiple roles they play. He emphasized that women can utilize the 12 sanctioned leaves annually, either once a month or cumulatively, according to their menstrual cycle.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed his government's dedication to the dignity and well-being of women in the workplace. He affirmed that the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, is a step towards a more humane, understanding, and inclusive work environment. State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil noted the policy's broad scope, encompassing sectors from garments to information technology.
The decision follows over a year of inter-departmental consultations and addresses initial objections, according to Labour Minister Santhosh Lad. He expressed confidence that the leave would provide women with needed flexibility to rest without being misused, acknowledging the stress many women undergo during menstruation, especially those working long hours. The Labour Department estimates that over 6 million women are part of Karnataka's workforce, including 2.5 to 3 million in the corporate sector. To ensure smooth implementation, the department plans to conduct awareness sessions with employers.
The policy evolved from an initial proposal of six menstrual leaves per year, with the government deciding to increase it to 12 days based on recommendations from an 18-member expert committee led by Sapna S. of Christ University. The committee comprised representatives from various sectors, including industries, trade unions, government, doctors, gynecologists, and professors from the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Christ University. The committee's report highlighted the physical discomfort, hormonal changes, and the need for rest experienced by women during their menstrual cycle. The government also assessed potential economic and operational implications, particularly for women-dependent industries like garment manufacturing.
This move aligns Karnataka with other states like Bihar, Kerala and Odisha, which have similar policies, although some are limited to state government employees. Kerala offers two days of menstrual leave per month for female trainees of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), while Bihar and Odisha provide 12 days annually for state government employees. The Supreme Court has also encouraged the central government to develop a model framework for menstrual leave, mirroring practices in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Spain.
Brinda Adige, a women's rights activist, lauded the policy as a commendable step towards recognizing women's health needs in the workplace. She stated that institutionalizing such support affirms that women's well-being is integral to sustainable development and lays a foundation for broader health empowerment, enabling increased female participation and fostering inclusive state growth.
