Karnataka cabinet approves menstrual leave for women employees across sectors

In a landmark move, the Karnataka cabinet has approved the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 that offers women employees a one-day paid menstrual leave every month. This applies to women employees in government offices, private companies and industrial sectors.

The official page of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on X said, “Our Government stands committed to dignity and well-being at work. 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.”

In 2024, the Karnataka government had proposed a menstrual leave policy recommending six days of menstrual leave in a year. 

Speaking to News18, Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad said that it’s a progressive step, and an understanding of women who undergo a lot of stress.

“This is a progressive step. We won’t have an issue with monitoring; they (women) have the choice to take one day a month. I am hopeful it won’t be misused. If anything needs to be added to the rules, we will do it in the coming days," he said.

Karnataka follows other states in India like Bihar, which has offered two days of menstrual leave per month to government employees since 1992, and Odisha, which provides 12 days of menstrual leave in a year. In Kerala, earlier this year, the government announced that female students in all state universities/institutions can get period leave.