Karnataka notifies menstrual leave policy: 12 days of paid leave annually for women employees

Globally, countries such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Zambia, the Philippines, and Taiwan provide menstrual leave for women employees.

In a move aimed at improving the health and productivity of working women, the Karnataka government on November 12 notified the new Menstrual Leave Policy mandating all employers to provide 12 days of paid leave per year to women employees during their menstrual cycle.

The order by the state labour department applies to all permanent, contract and outsourced women employees between the ages of 18 and 52 working in establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Garden Workers Act, 1951, Beedi and Cigar Workers (Employment and Conditions) Act, 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.

Also, read: Karnataka: Women employees to get one paid day off every month as state cabinet approves Menstrual Leave Policy

Implementation details

According to the notification, women employees may avail one day of paid menstrual leave each month, which must be used within that month and cannot be carried forward. Employers are not permitted to demand a medical certificate for availing this leave.

The labour department stated that the move aims to “enhance health, efficiency, and mental well-being of women employees” across Karnataka’s industrial and service sectors.

Karnataka cabinet on October 9 approved the ‘Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025’, granting women employees one day of paid leave every month. The policy will cover women working across all sectors, including government offices, garment units, IT companies, MNCs, and other private industries in the state. Initially, the proposal provided for six days of paid menstrual leave annually for working women, but the labour department later decided to revise it to one day per month.

Expert committee recommendations

The decision follows recommendations from an expert committee constituted by the labour department, which included government officers, industry representatives, social workers, women’s organisations, and labour unions. The committee examined global practices and local industry inputs before advising the government to introduce a menstrual leave policy to support women’s physical and mental well-being and enhance workplace efficiency.

Public consultation and feedback

The draft policy was published on the labour department’s official website, karmikaspandana.gov.in, on October 18, 2025, to seek feedback from employers, trade unions, women’s groups and the general public. Of the 75 comments received, 56 supported the proposed policy, while 19 expressed opposition.

Also, read: Karnataka likely to provide six days of paid menstrual leave annually for working women