Karnataka has become one of the few states in India to grant paid menstrual leave for women employees in both public and private sectors. The state cabinet approved the policy on Thursday, allowing women to take one day off per month for menstrual health.
The policy applies to women working in government offices, IT companies, multinational corporations, garment factories, and other private organisations. The government said the move aims to support women’s health, create a more inclusive workplace, and raise awareness about menstrual well-being.
With this, Karnataka joins Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, and Sikkim, which have already introduced similar policies. Some private companies, including Zomato, Swiggy, and Larsen & Toubro, had also started paid menstrual leave on their own.
State Law Minister H K Patil said, “This policy has been successful in other states and will benefit women in Karnataka too.”
The plan was first drafted in 2024 for six days of leave per year, but after consultations with industry bodies and women’s groups, it was increased to 12 days per year. Women can use them one day per month or all at once, depending on their needs.
Labour Minister Santosh Lad called it “a progressive law for women,” adding, “This recognizes the multiple roles women play and supports their well-being at work.”
Karnataka has over 60 lakh women in the workforce, with around 25–30 lakh in corporate and IT jobs. The garment industry alone employs about five lakh women.
The Labour Department plans to conduct awareness programs for employers to ensure smooth implementation.
Women’s rights activist Brinda Adige praised the move, saying, “Paid menstrual leave acknowledges women’s health needs and strengthens their role in the workforce. While informal sector workers may not benefit immediately, this policy lays the foundation for future reforms.”
Officials said detailed guidelines for enforcement will be issued soon, aiming to integrate gender-responsive measures across Karnataka’s labour framework.
