Karnataka notifies menstrual leave policy: One paid day off per month for women employees

In a progressive move, the Karnataka government has approved one paid menstrual leave per month for all working women aged 18–52, across permanent, contractual, and outsourced roles.

In a landmark decision for women’s workforce welfare, the Karnataka government has officially notified the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, granting one paid day of menstrual leave every month for women employees aged between 18 and 52 years.

The Government Order (GO), issued on November 12, makes Karnataka one of the first states in India to formally recognise menstrual leave as a workplace right. The policy extends to women in permanent, contractual, and outsourced positions across a wide range of sectors.

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According to the order, employers are mandated to provide 12 paid menstrual leaves annually, covering establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, the Plantation Workers Act, 1951, the Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and the Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961.

Importantly, the Shops and Establishments Act also brings IT and ITES companies within the scope of this policy, ensuring inclusivity across industries.
The menstrual leave policy was developed by an 18-member committee chaired by Dr. Sapna S of Christ (Deemed-to-be University). The committee initially proposed six menstrual leaves per year, but the Labour Department revised it to 12 before submitting it for Cabinet approval.

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As per the GO, menstrual leaves must be availed within the same month and cannot be carried forward to the next. Moreover, women employees do not need to provide a medical certificate to claim this leave, making the process simple and dignified.

The Labour Department stated that the move aims to support women’s health, improve workforce participation, and promote gender-sensitive workplace policies. This development is being widely seen as a step toward recognising menstrual health as an integral part of workplace well-being.