In a landmark move promoting women&rsquo;s health and workplace equity, the Karnataka government has approved the Periods Leave Policy-2025, granting one day of paid menstrual leave per month to women employees across government offices, private companies, and industrial sectors.
The decision, approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, positions Karnataka among the few Indian states&mdash;after Bihar, Kerala, and Odisha&mdash;to officially recognise menstrual health in workplace policy.
Labour Minister Santhosh Lad said the department had been working on the proposal for over a year, engaging in detailed inter-departmental consultations. &ldquo;There were many objections initially, but we wanted to take a progressive step. Women undergo immense stress during menstruation, especially those working long hours. This one-day leave gives them the flexibility to rest. I am confident it will not be misused,&rdquo; he said.
The Labour Department estimates that over 60 lakh women are part of Karnataka&rsquo;s workforce, including 25 to 30 lakh in the corporate sector. Before the policy is implemented, the department plans to hold awareness sessions with employers to ensure smooth adoption.
The policy was formulated following the recommendations of an 18-member expert committee led by Sapna S of Christ University. The committee underscored the physical discomfort, hormonal changes, and need for rest experienced by women during their menstrual cycle. The government also assessed the potential economic and operational implications, particularly for women-dependent industries like garment manufacturing.
Nationally, the Supreme Court has encouraged the central government to develop a model framework for menstrual leave, aligning India&rsquo;s efforts with global practices already in place in Japan, South Korea, and Spain. Karnataka&rsquo;s decision is being viewed as a significant step towards recognising menstrual health as a legitimate workplace concern and ensuring dignity and empathy in employment policies.
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Women employees in Karnataka to get one paid day off every month under new policy

Karnataka clears paid menstrual leave policy

Women employees in Karnataka to get one paid day off every month under new policy

October 9, 2025 | 16:07 IST