In a landmark decision, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the Menstrual Leave Policy-2025, making it the first state in India to extend one paid menstrual leave per month to women employees across both government and private sectors.
Under the new policy, women working in state government offices, garment factories, IT firms, multinational companies, and other private organisations will be entitled to 12 paid menstrual leaves annually.
Odisha and Bihar currently allow menstrual leave only for women in government services, while Kerala has implemented it in universities.
Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source
Panel recommendation led to policy
The Labour Department moved the proposal following a committee’s recommendation that pushed for paid menstrual leave for women employees. The Cabinet note acknowledged that while several states and private companies had adopted similar measures, there has been no uniform nationwide policy so far.
The All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Karnataka Committee, welcomed the move as a “progressive measure” that will empower women across sectors. The union also urged the government to bring in legislative backing to ensure smooth implementation.
Also Read: Karnataka CEO dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote theft’ claim, cites FIR in Aland case
‘Most progressive law’
Labour Minister Santosh Lad hailed the decision as “the most progressive new law” for women. “We have approved menstrual leaves for women. They can take as many as 12 sanctioned leaves in a year, once a month or all at once, as per their menstrual cycle. It is a feather in the cap of a progressive government which thinks for the welfare of women,” Lad said, ANI reported.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad says, “We have approved menstrual leaves for women. It is the most progressive new law that we have brought it. Women can take as many as 12 sanctioned leaves in a year, once a month or all at once, whatever they choose as per… pic.twitter.com/If0Djb6Qlq
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025
