Karnataka Approves One-Day Menstrual Leave for Women Employees
Policy to cover women across sectors from garments to IT; cabinet clears several key projects in education, infrastructure, and tourism
BENGALURU: The cabinet meeting of the State Government on Thursday approved ‘Menstrual Leave Policy’ and with it, working women in government and private sectors are entitled for one paid leave each month during their menstrual cycle.
After the cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil stated the approval of ‘Menstrual Leave Policy’ while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated “Our government stands committed to dignity and well-being (of women) at work (place).” He termed the approval accorded to ‘Menstrual Leave Policy, “a step towards a more humane, understanding and inclusive workplace.”
Assuring that the Menstrual Leave Policy-2025 will be implemented in coming days, Minister of Labour Santosh Lad stated “This decision reflects our Government’s commitment to supporting women not just in terms of their progress but also with empathy and care for their well-being.”
Lad stated there was a demand from entrepreneur K.R. Kavitha Reddy and Ranjeeta Priyadarshini of Odisha, a research scholar and United Nations Speaker for Paid Period Leave among others who consistently advocated for the implementation of ‘Menstrual Leave Policy’ in Karnataka.
In response to Santosh Lad, Kavitha Reddy thanked the Minister for supporting the demand for implementation of Menstrual Leave Policy in Karnataka.