Overview

• The state cabinet cleared the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, granting women one paid day off per month, totalling 12 days a year.
• Coverage includes government offices, IT and MNC workplaces, garment factories and other private employers, positioning Karnataka as the first state to extend the benefit across both sectors.
• The Labour Department has sought administrative clearance, and ministers said rollout will begin shortly after approvals.
• Labour Minister Santosh Lad said employees may take the 12 days monthly or accumulate them within the year, with specific procedures to be laid out in rules.
• Trade unions and women's rights advocates welcomed the policy and urged legislative backing, highlighting unanswered questions on enforcement for unorganised workers.