Bengaluru, October 10, 2025 – In a significant step towards gender-inclusive workplace reforms, the Karnataka State Cabinet on Thursday approved the Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy-2025, granting women employees one paid day of leave per month to address menstrual health needs. This policy, applicable across government offices, private industries, IT firms, and multinational corporations, marks the first such comprehensive measure in India covering both public and private sectors.
The decision, announced during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, elevates menstrual leave from six days per year—as initially recommended by an expert committee—to a full 12 days annually, providing greater flexibility for women navigating physical and emotional challenges during their cycles. Labour Minister Santosh Lad emphasized the policy's intent, stating, “Women can take one day of leave per month based on their menstrual cycle. We discussed this extensively. Women handle multiple roles at home and work, and this initiative recognizes that.”
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil detailed the broad scope of implementation, noting, “The government has decided to implement the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, which provides one paid leave a month for women working across all sectors—government offices, garments, MNCs, IT and private industries.” The leave is non-encashable, non-accumulable, and available at the employee's discretion, with safeguards against discrimination or harassment channeled through organizational grievance mechanisms.
The policy stems from a 2024 report by an 18-member committee led by Sapna S, Associate Dean and Head of the School of Law at Christ (Deemed to be) University. The panel, comprising representatives from industries, trade unions, government bodies, medical experts, and academics, advocated for paid menstrual leave to promote women's well-being and workforce participation. Karnataka's move builds on limited precedents in states like Bihar and Odisha, which offer such leaves only to government employees, and Kerala's university-specific policy.
Karnataka, often called India's Silicon Valley due to Bengaluru's thriving tech ecosystem, boasts one of the nation's highest female labor force participation rates at 31.5%, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey. Home to global giants like Google, Walmart, Infosys, and Wipro, the state employs millions of women in high-pressure sectors where such accommodations could foster a more empathetic work environment. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hailed the approval as “a step toward creating a more humane, understanding, and inclusive workplace.”
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Karnataka Committee welcomed the development, describing it as a “progressive measure to protect the rights of women” that acknowledges their physical and mental health needs. “It empowers millions of women in both sectors and supports their continued engagement in employment,” the union added, urging swift legislative action for enforcement.
While private companies and some employers had previously resisted similar proposals, this cabinet nod signals growing momentum for menstrual equity in India, where uniform national guidelines remain absent. Advocates argue the policy could reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and address stigma around menstrual health, potentially inspiring other states to follow suit.
The approval comes amid broader cabinet decisions, including allocations for residential schools for construction workers' children, bridge reconstructions, and enhanced fire safety infrastructure. As implementation details are finalized for the 2025 rollout, women's rights groups anticipate monitoring its impact on workplace dynamics in Karnataka's diverse economy.
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