Global Compliance – India
Karnataka: Introduction of Paid Menstrual Leave Policy for Women Employees
Karnataka has become the first Indian state to announce a comprehensive paid menstrual leave policy covering both government and private sectors. On October 9, 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025,” granting women employees one paid day off per month (12 days annually) to address menstrual health needs.
Currently, no official Act, gazette notification or detailed implementation guidelines have been published.
Background
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025,” following recommendations from a 2024 report by an 18-member panel. The panel had earlier proposed the “Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill.” Although the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking national implementation under the Maternity Benefit Act, it suggested that the Union Government consider framing a model policy, allowing states the freedom to act independently.
Karnataka – Entitlement of the Menstrual Leave Policy
Women employees are entitled to one paid menstrual leave per month, amounting to 12 days per year.
The Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 provides flexibility to women employees regarding when they can avail the leave:
- Women employees can choose any day during their menstrual cycle when they need rest
- The policy does not mandate a specific day for menstrual leave. Women employees are encouraged to take the leave on a day that aligns with their menstrual cycle. The leave is typically intended for days when employees experience significant menstrual discomfort, pain, or related symptoms
- No medical certificate is required to avail of the leave
- Women employees are expected to inform their reporting manager in advance, similar to existing casual leave protocols
- The leave is entirely optional, and employees can choose whether or not to avail of this benefit
- Privacy and dignity are maintained; no disclosure of specific medical details is required
This flexible approach ensures that women can take leave on the day(s) when they experience the most severe symptoms, whether that’s the first, second, or any other day of their cycle.
Applicability of the Menstrual Leave Policy
Ministerial statements indicate that the policy applies to a wide range of workplaces, including:
- Government departments and offices
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs)
- Private companies of all sizes
- Garment factories and textile industries
- Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (IT/ITeS) companies
- Multinational corporations (MNCs)
- Manufacturing units
- Commercial establishments registered under the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act
- All other organizations operating within Karnataka state
Legal Status and Effective Date
Currently, there is no standalone Act legislating menstrual leave in Karnataka. The policy was approved by the state cabinet and is expected to be formalized through an official notification. A special session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is scheduled for November 2025 to pass the amendment bill, with the tentative implementation date set for January 1, 2026.
Employers and employees should await detailed guidelines from the Karnataka Labour Department, which are expected to clarify key operational aspects such as:
- Accumulation or carry-forward of unused leave
- Integration with existing leave policies
- Leave application and record-keeping procedures
- Grievance redressal, penalties, and dispute resolution
- Applicability to part-time, contract, temporary, casual, or probationary employees
- Pro-rata calculations for part-time employees
Take away- Employers should review and update their policies to align with this new mandate and ensure compliance once detailed guidelines are released.
