Karnataka Leads India with Monthly Paid Menstrual Leave for Women Across All Sectors

Post by : Shivana Rahim

Karnataka has become the first Indian state to introduce a comprehensive paid menstrual leave policy granting one day of paid leave every month to women employees across all sectors, including government, private companies, garment units, IT firms, multinational corporations (MNCs), and industrial units. The policy, approved by the Karnataka Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 8, 2025, amounts to 12 paid menstrual leaves annually and is expected to benefit over 50 lakh women workers in the state.

This groundbreaking initiative acknowledges menstrual health as a fundamental workplace right and aims to foster inclusive and supportive work environments. Karnataka thus joins Bihar and Odisha, which have menstrual leave policies limited to government employees, while Karnataka’s policy covers all sectors uniformly. The Labour Department’s committee, after stakeholder consultation, initially recommended six days annually, but the government expanded it to one day per month considering women's multiple responsibilities and menstrual health challenges.

The Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025, also proposes two days of menstrual leave per month for female students, reinforcing the state's commitment to women's health beyond just employment. Employers denying this leave or discriminating against menstruating employees face fines up to Rs 5,000, strengthening enforceability.

Experts believe this policy could reduce absenteeism caused by menstrual discomfort and diminish stigma around menstruation in workplaces. The flexible leave system is designed to prevent any professional disadvantage for women taking such leave, encouraging a more humane and understanding attitude towards women’s health needs. The All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Karnataka Committee, lauded the move as a progressive step toward women’s empowerment and workplace equity.

Karnataka’s high female labor force participation rate of 31.5%, especially in Bengaluru’s thriving startup and tech hub environment with companies like Infosys, Wipro, Walmart, and Google, underlines the policy’s significance in supporting working women’s health.

Globally, countries such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Zambia, the Philippines, and Taiwan have recognized menstrual leave as essential, signaling a growing awareness of gender-sensitive workplace policies worldwide. Karnataka’s move sets a precedent for other Indian states and private sector employers to consider similar inclusive employment practices that prioritize women's health and dignity in the workplace.