In a landmark move to promote women’s health and workplace inclusion, the Karnataka government has announced a new menstrual leave policy applicable to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years. It applies equally to permanent, contractual and outsourced staff.
The policy covers women working in establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act, 1961, the Plantation Workers Act, 1951, the Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.
According to the government order (GO) issued by the Labour Department, eligible employees will be entitled to 12 days of menstrual leave per year—an increase from the six days initially suggested by an expert committee. The decision, the GO noted, was taken to prioritise women’s health and enhance efficiency, and also encourage greater female participation in the workforce.
The leave, however, cannot be carried forward to the next month, and women availing it will not be required to produce a medical certificate. While the new policy has been welcomed by many, it currently excludes government employees, anganwadi workers, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).
The GO mentioned that the Labour Department received feedback from various stakeholders, including individuals, organisations, and trade unions—56 of whom supported the policy, with 26 supporters representing management groups.
Worker unions have hailed the decision as a progressive step but emphasised the need for formal legislation to make it binding across all sectors. Several representatives have also urged the government to extend the policy to women engaged in domestic, agricultural and construction work. Additionally, some stakeholders have questioned the fixed age limit of 52, suggesting that menopause varies among women and that flexibility in age criteria would make the policy more inclusive.