Karnataka has approved the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, allowing women employees across government and private sectors to take one paid leave each month.
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KARNATAKA: In a landmark move promoting gender-sensitive workplace policies, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, making it one of the first Indian states to officially extend menstrual leave to women across both government and private sectors.
What the Policy Offers
Under this new policy, women employees in Karnataka will be entitled to one paid leave each month as menstrual leave, amounting to 12 paid leaves annually. The initiative covers a wide spectrum of employment sectors, including government offices, IT companies, multinational corporations, private firms, and garment factories.
Announcing the development on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated:
“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 workplace.”
The policy’s formulation is grounded in research and expert recommendations. It stems from a 2024 report by an 18-member committee led by Dr. Sapna S, Associate Dean and Head of the School of Law at Christ (Deemed to be) University.
The committee brought together voices from diverse fields, including industry leaders, trade unions, government departments, medical professionals, gynaecologists, and academic experts from institutions such as the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Christ University.
Their collective findings underscored the physical and emotional challenges many women face during menstruation and highlighted the need for policy-level empathy and institutional support.
