Overview

• Following cabinet approval, women in government and private workplaces are entitled to one paid day of menstrual leave each month.
• Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad said companies that do not comply will face action, with the measure to be brought in through a bill or an ordinance.
• Officials are framing rules and scheduling consultations, and the minister said any complaints about misuse would be reviewed.
• Karnataka’s policy extends beyond approaches in Bihar, Odisha and Kerala, where menstrual leave is limited to public employees or students.
• Coverage and monitoring in the unorganised sector remain unclear, even as many private firms already offer period leave.