The Karnataka government on Thursday approved the Periods Leave Policy-2025, which would grant female employees in government offices, private companies, and industrial sectors one day of paid menstrual leave per month which totals 12 days in a year.

The policy was discussed during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today.

Speaking to media, Karnataka Labour Minister Santhosh Lad said that the department was working on it for the last one year. “There were a lot of objections, there were inter department consultations. Women undergo a lot of stress, so those working who work 10-12hrs. So wanted to be progressive and give them one day leave. This is a progressive step. We won’t have issue monitoring, they have the choice to take one day in a month. I am hopeful it won’t be misused. If anything needs ro be added to rules, we will do it in coming days,"he said.

The department estimates that more than 60 lakh women work in Karnataka and including 25-30 lakh women in corporate world. The department is likely hold another awareness meeting with all employers before the rule kicks into effect.

The approval of the policy follows a recommendation submitted by an 18-member committee, headed by Law Department Chief Sapna S of Christ University, which highlighted the physical changes, challenges, and need for rest experienced by women during menstruation. The government reportedly reviewed the pros and cons, including the potential impact on women-dependent industries like the garment sector, and gathered opinions from various departments and organisations.

With this, Karnataka has joined other states like Bihar, which offers two days of monthly menstrual leave to its female employees, and Odisha, which recently announced a similar one-day paid leave policy for its female government employees.

The IT employees union and women working in garment factories have been demanding for such policy for the last few years.

Source: News18