Karnataka approves 12 days of menstrual leave for all sectors

The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, granting women one paid day off each month, for a total of 12 sanctioned leave days a year, for employees across government offices, private companies and industrial sectors in the state. Labour Minister Santosh Lad announced the decision after the cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, saying the measure covers workers in garments, information technology, multinational firms and other private-sector organisations as well as state government staff.

The policy follows a recommendation from an 18-member committee chaired by Sapna S of Christ University’s law department, which cited physical changes, pain and the need for rest during menstruation as reasons to adopt the leave. Ministers said the government reviewed advantages and drawbacks and sought input from various departments and industry groups before approving the measure. Labour Minister Lad said the leave is flexible and can be taken monthly or accumulated, adding, "We have approved menstrual leaves for women. Women can take as many as 12 sanctioned leaves in a year, once a month or all at once."

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the...