In a major move towards gender-sensitive workplace policies, the Karnataka government in India has approved a new initiative that allows women to take one paid day off every month during their menstrual cycle.
The Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 will apply not only to government employees but also to those working in private organisations across various sectors, including information technology, corporate offices and the garment industry.
Announcing the decision on Oct 9, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the policy reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring dignity and well-being in the workplace.
“Through the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, women employees across Karnataka will now receive one paid leave day every month – a step towards a more humane, understanding and inclusive workspace,” the Chief Minister shared in a post on X.
The government stated that the new policy recognises women’s health as a fundamental right and aims to create an environment where they can take care of themselves without stigma.
An official statement said: “The Karnataka government recognises the importance of health as a fundamental aspect of women’s rights and workspace well-being.”
With this decision, Karnataka becomes one of the few Indian states to formally introduce menstrual leave for women in both the public and private sectors.
Karnataka’s policy has received praise for being inclusive and progressive, but questions persist about how it will be implemented.
The confusion is particularly in the unorganised sector where monitoring workplace rights can be challenging.
The unorganised sector includes workers in various domains like small shops, daily wage jobs, construction sites, street vendors and domestic help who often do not have formal contracts or workplace benefits.
This makes it uncertain whether the 12 paid menstrual leave days promised by the government will reach them. — The Statesman/ANN
