Karnataka Approves Paid Menstrual Leave For Women
Banglore : The Karnataka government on Thursday approved “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025” to ensure the well-being of women employees and promote workplace inclusivity. Under the policy, women will be entitled to one paid leave per month during menstruation. The policy has evolved from an initial 2024 proposal, which offered six menstrual leaves per year, to the current version providing twelve days of paid leave annually.
Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad said, “We have approved menstrual leaves for women. It is the most progressive new law that we have brought. Women can take as many as 12 sanctioned leaves in a year, once a month or all at once, whatever they choose as per their menstrual cycle.
The Karnataka policy is part of a growing trend across India. Kerala has introduced two days of menstrual leave per month for female trainees of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Law Minister HK Patil, speaking after the cabinet meeting, emphasised the positive impact such a policy would have on working women across sectors. “It will be helpful to women. The policy has been successful in other states, and we have decided to adopt it,” he told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
“The decision was taken keeping in mind the health and well-being of working women and to encourage a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The initiative also aims to spread awareness about menstrual health and ensure physical and mental comfort for women employees,” the cabinet note said.
Although not mandated by law across the board, several private companies in India have already adopted menstrual leave policies voluntarily. Whether there is a policy or not, any private sector firm can implement it. Some of the companies that have announced paid menstrual leave are Zomato, Swiggy, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Byju’s, and Gozoop.
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