Overview

• The Cabinet cleared the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025 on October 9, granting women up to 12 paid menstrual leave days per year statewide.
• Coverage spans government offices, IT and MNC workplaces, and garment factories, making Karnataka the first state to adopt a comprehensive cross‑sector policy.
• The Labour Department says the notification will follow after administrative protocols, though enforcement in the unorganised sector remains unresolved.
• The Cabinet doubled an earlier committee proposal from six days to 12, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Labour Minister Santosh Lad calling it a step toward healthier, more inclusive workplaces.
• Reports highlight significant reach, including Bengaluru’s garment workforce of about five lakh mostly women, and a draft bill cited in coverage proposes fines up to ₹5,000 for employers who deny leave or discriminate.