In a landmark decision promoting inclusivity and women’s welfare, the Karnataka cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has approved a policy granting one paid menstrual leave per month to women employees across all sectors — government offices, IT companies, MNCs, garment factories, and private industries.
The initiative, expected to benefit over 50 lakh women in the state, will allow 12 paid leaves annually. Karnataka now joins Bihar and Odisha as the only Indian states offering menstrual leave.
The Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025, drafted by the state’s Law Commission, proposes similar benefits for students — two days of menstrual leave per month. Employers denying or discriminating against women seeking menstrual leave may face fines up to ₹5,000.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hailed the move as “a step toward a more humane and inclusive workplace.” Labour Minister Santosh Lad added that the decision goes beyond earlier recommendations, recognizing women’s physical and mental stress during menstruation.
With 31.5% female labour participation, one of the highest in India, Karnataka’s decision marks a progressive stride toward gender-sensitive workplace reform.
States Providing Menstrual Leave in India
- Bihar
- Introduced: 1992
- Provision: 2 days of menstrual leave per month
- Applies to: Women government employees
- Odisha
- Introduced: 2023
- Provision: 12 days of menstrual leave annually (1 per month)
- Applies to: Women employees across all sectors (government and private)
- Karnataka
- Introduced: 2025
- Provision: 1 paid menstrual leave per month (12 per year)
- Applies to: All women employees — including government, IT firms, MNCs, garment factories, and private industries
