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South Indian State of Karnataka has approved a landmark policy granting one day to all women paid menstrual leave Every month.
The state that is “home of”IndiaThe company, which hosts global customer service centers for companies in ‘Silicon Valley’ in Bengaluru and across the world, said the policy will be applicable to both public and private sector organisations.
With this decision, Karnataka It has become the first state in India to Provide women with the benefit of menstrual leave In both government and private sectors. Odisha and bihar offers menstrual leave Only for government employees, while Kerala has introduced a similar provision for students and employees in universities.
Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil said that this policy is inspired by other models Indian States and working women will benefit.
“This will be helpful for women. This policy has been successful in other states and we have decided to adopt it,” he told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
Several major private companies in India, including Zomato, Swiggy, Larsen & Toubro, Byju’s and GoZoop, have voluntarily adopted similar policies.
The cabinet note said that it has been decided Prioritize women’s physical and mental well-being Raising awareness about menstrual health – an issue that is still considered taboo in many workplaces in India.
“With the introduction of the menstrual leave policy, there will be a policy to provide one day paid leave per month to female employees for their health in all sectors employing women,” the state government said in its order.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on Twitter: “Through the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, women employees across Karnataka will now get one paid leave every month – a step towards a more humane, understanding and inclusive workplace.”
Women’s rights activist Brinda Adige praised the initiative. “The introduction of one day monthly leave by the government is a commendable step towards recognizing the genuine health needs of women at the workplace.”
NDTV quoted her as saying: “By institutionalizing such support across government and organized private sectors, this policy reaffirms that women’s well-being is integral to sustainable development.
“While the informal sector remains a challenge, this initiative forms an important foundation for comprehensive health empowerment, thereby increasing women’s participation and promoting inclusive state development,” he said.
Karnataka Labor Minister Santosh Lad said: “We had consulted the industries and we will consult them again before making the rules.”
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Karnataka Committee welcomed the state government’s decision, calling it a progressive step that will empower lakhs of women in both the government and private sectors. The union said it had long advocated a menstrual leave policy of one day per month, despite opposition from employers.
According to The Hindu, AITUC said, “We now request the government to take immediate steps to implement the decision through legislative action.”
In India, despite some progress, menstruation remains surrounded by stigma and misinformation, especially in rural and low-income areas, where access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products is still limited for many women.
Japan had set a global example by recognizing menstrual leave as a labor right in 1947 itself. Several other countries, including Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia, have since adopted similar policies, although the specifics differ. Some allow three days of leave annually, others allow one alternate day off a month, and some offer flexible options such as remote work or reduced hours during menstruation.
However, the idea has faced political resistance in India. In 2023, former Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani opposed the proposal, raising the question: “Why should a woman’s menstrual cycle be known to her employer?” This response was widely ridiculed.