The Karnataka government has officially approved the Periods Leave Policy-2025, granting one day of paid menstrual leave each month to female employees across government offices, private companies, and industrial sectors.
This amounts to 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually. The unanimous decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 9, 2025. Labour Minister Santosh Lad described the policy as a progressive measure reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s health in professional environments.
The policy will apply broadly across sectors, including IT and garment factories, benefiting over 1.2 million women. Guidelines are expected to support smooth implementation without workplace stigma.
Recognising Women’s Health Needs at Work
The government emphasised that the policy is designed to recognise the physical and emotional challenges women face during menstruation, saying, “We hope Karnataka will set a national example through this inclusive measure.” Labour Minister Santosh Lad highlighted that the leave is optional, allowing women to utilise it without compulsory disclosure or medical certificates, thereby protecting privacy and preventing discrimination.
The policy’s scope includes government departments, multinational corporations, startups, garment units, and other private industry sectors. Feedback from IT employees’ unions and women workers in industrial sectors played a vital role in shaping the policy. Pilots conducted in select workplaces reported increased employee morale and productivity, underscoring the positive impact of such leave.
Policy Evolution and Broader Context
As reported by ABP, this policy follows months of consultations led by an 18-member expert committee headed by Dr Sapna S from Christ University’s Law Department, which reviewed workplace realities and health needs of women. Earlier proposals considered a 6-day annual leave, but stakeholder input led to expanding it to 12 days annually, one paid day per month.
Karnataka joins a few Indian states like Bihar and Odisha, which have menstrual leave provisions, but Karnataka’s wide-ranging inclusion of sectors and duration make it pioneering. The move aligns with global precedents in countries such as Japan, Spain, Indonesia, and South Korea that legally recognise menstrual leave. Experts emphasise the importance of accompanying policies to safeguard against any bias in hiring or promotion and ensure the policy encourages dignity rather than stereotype.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian welcomes Karnataka’s Periods Leave Policy-2025 as a landmark step in fostering dignified and equal workplaces where women’s health is respected and supported. This policy not only addresses a biological reality but challenges the social stigma that has long surrounded menstruation in professional settings.
Meaningful success will depend on sensitisation efforts, removal of taboos, and ensuring women feel safe to avail this leave without fear of prejudice or marginalisation. Enabling such compassionate workplace policies is essential for true gender inclusivity and progress.
Our Government stands committed to dignity and wellbeing at work.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) October 9, 2025
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.#MenstrualLeave… pic.twitter.com/9BAcdsI4Q4
