In a landmark policy decision aimed at promoting women’s health, welfare, and workforce participation, the Government of Karnataka has formally sanctioned one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees across all establishments registered under major labour laws in the State.
The order, issued through Government Order No. LD 466 LET 2023 dated 20 November 2025, applies to all women employees aged 18 to 52 years, including those who are permanent, contract, or outsourced.
This progressive initiative—termed the “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025”—makes Karnataka one of the first Indian states to adopt a comprehensive, cross-sector menstrual leave framework, covering both government and private establishments.
Background and Development of the Policy
Committee Formation and Study
The process began with a State Government notification dated 12 January 2024, which constituted a multi-stakeholder committee comprising:
- Government officers
- Medical experts
- Labour sector representatives
- Industrial associations
- IT/BT sector representatives
- Garment industry stakeholders
- Academicians and social workers
- Employer representatives
The committee was tasked with studying the feasibility and necessity of providing paid menstrual leave to women employees in all industries and establishments registered under the following Acts:
- The Factories Act, 1948
- The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
- The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
- The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
- The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
Expert Committee Recommendation
After extensive discussion, the Committee recommended granting six annual paid menstrual leave days to women workers in the covered establishments.
Public Consultation
For broader consultation, the Labour Department published the proposal on karmikaspandana.gov.in on 18 October 2025, inviting views from industries, institutions, labour groups, women’s organisations, and the public.
A total of 75 responses were received:
- 56 supported the policy
- 19 opposed it
Of the 56 supporting opinions:
- 26 from Employers
- 7 from Labour Unions
- 19 from Employees
- 1 from the Public
- 1 from the Government Employees’ Federation
- 2 from Women’s Organisations
In addition, 10 respondents requested enhancing the entitlement to 12 annual leave days (including 4 suggestions from the administrative sector).
Cabinet Approval
Based on the strong public support and the policy’s projected benefits for women’s health, efficiency, morale, productivity, and economic participation, the Commissioner of Labour recommended adoption.
The Cabinet, through Cabinet Note No. 834/2025 dated 9 October 2025, approved implementation of the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, granting one paid leave per month, i.e., 12 days annually, applicable across all sectors—including government offices, garment industries, MNCs, IT companies, and other private establishments.
Key Features of the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025
1. One Day of Paid Leave Per Month (Up to 12 Days Annually)
Women employees aged 18–52 are entitled to one paid leave per month during their menstrual cycle, limited to 12 days per calendar year.
2. Applicable Across Sectors
The policy covers all women employees—permanent, contractual, or outsourced—working in establishments registered under:
- The Factories Act, 1948
- The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
- The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
- The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
- The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
3. Mandatory Use Within the Same Month
Menstrual leave cannot be carried forward. It must be used within the same month and cannot be accumulated for future use.
4. No Medical Certificate Required
Women employees are not required to furnish any medical certificate while availing their monthly menstrual leave.
Significance of the Policy
This policy has wide-ranging implications for workplace inclusion and women-centric labour welfare:
✔ Enhances Women’s Health and Well-Being
Reduces physical strain and supports women during their menstrual cycle.
✔ Improves Productivity and Efficiency
By addressing monthly physiological challenges, overall work performance and morale are expected to rise.
✔ Encourages Greater Female Workforce Participation
A supportive work environment is likely to attract and retain more women employees, especially in labour-intensive sectors like garments and services.
✔ Aligns with Global Best Practices
The policy reflects international workplace trends promoting gender-sensitive employment standards.
Conclusion
The Government of Karnataka’s decision to mandate one day of paid menstrual leave per month marks a transformative step in state labour policy. Balancing compassion with productivity, the measure offers substantive support to women across government and private sectors, sets a benchmark for other states, and reinforces Karnataka’s leadership in gender-responsive labour reforms.