In a landmark move, the Karnataka government has issued an order mandating one paid menstrual leave day every month, a total of 12 days per year, for all women employees aged 18-52 in both public and private sectors.
The order, issued on November 12, 2025, covers permanent, contractual and outsourced women employees across industries governed by the Factories Act, Karnataka Shops & Commercial Establishments Act, Plantation Workers Act, Beedi & Cigar Workers Act and Motor Transport Workers Act.
Wide-Ranging Coverage Across Sectors
Unlike most other Indian states where menstrual leave is limited to government employees, Karnataka’s policy applies to women working in manufacturing units, garment factories, IT firms, MNCs and service-sector organisations. The government estimates the measure benefits over 50 lakh women workers across the state.
Employers are required to grant these leaves without deducting pay, and the leave must be taken within the same month, no carry-over permitted. Importantly, there is no medical certificate required for monthly menstrual leave.
Rationale: Health, Dignity and Productivity
The government justified the move as a means to enhance women-employees’ health, mental well-being and workplace efficiency. By recognising menstruation as a normal biological process, the policy also seeks to reduce stigma and integrate gender-sensitive practices into workplace culture.
Labour Department officials emphasise that making menstrual leave mandatory across public and private sectors signals a shift from viewing menstruation as a personal issue to treating it as a legitimate workplace concern.
Implementation and Safeguards
To support implementation, the state labour department has directed employers to sensitise HR teams and workers, maintain confidentiality around leave usage, and ensure that the leave is not treated as a disciplinary matter.
The policy also prohibits linking menstrual leave to existing leave categories such as casual or sick leave; it is to be granted as a separate category, thus protecting other leave entitlements. Experts warn, however, that workplace education and proper monitoring will be crucial to ensure the benefit doesn’t become a reason for discrimination.
Wider Context and What It Suggests
Karnataka’s decision places it among the most progressive states in India on menstrual leave. Previously, states like Bihar, Odisha and Kerala had implemented similar benefits, but most were restricted to government employees or educational settings; Karnataka’s move is the first in India to legally mandate such leave across both public and private sectors.
In a country where women’s workplace participation lags, and menstruation remains a taboo subject, the policy may improve retention, productivity and the broader gender-inclusivity of work-culture. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), increasing female labour force participation remains a key challenge; policies like these aim to address structural barriers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian supports measures that enhance health, dignity, and equitable opportunity for women in the workforce. It advocates clear implementation, robust monitoring, and inclusive communication to ensure menstrual leave translates into real change without unintended negative consequences.
