Overview
- An order issued on Nov. 12 instructs establishments registered under the Factories, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments, Plantation Workers, Beedi and Cigar Workers, and Motor Transport Workers laws to grant one paid menstrual leave day per month.
- Women employees aged 18 to 52 in permanent, contract and outsourced roles are eligible for up to 12 paid days a year.
- Leave must be used in the same month without carry‑forward, and no medical certificate is required to avail it.
- Applicability to state government offices and scheme workers such as anganwadi and ASHA staff remains unclear, with differing reports and no explicit provision in the order noted by The Hindu.
- The policy stems from an 18‑member panel led by Dr. Sapna S., whose six‑day proposal was expanded to 12 before cabinet approval, and the Labour Department plans employer awareness programmes to support implementation.