In a landmark decision, the Karnataka government has extended one day of paid menstrual leave per month to women working in state government offices. The order, issued on December 2, applies immediately to female employees aged 18 to 52, encompassing permanent, contractual, and outsourced positions. This move follows a similar directive last month that mandated menstrual leave for women in private companies across various industries.

The policy ensures that women experiencing menstruation can take one day off every month without the need for a medical certificate. The leave is to be recorded separately in attendance registers and cannot be combined with any other form of leave. Authorities competent to grant casual leave are empowered to approve menstrual leave, making the process straightforward for employees.

Earlier, the Karnataka government had extended menstrual leave to women working in establishments registered under multiple labor laws, including the Factories Act, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, Plantation Workers Act, Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, and the Motor Transport Workers Act. This wide coverage was aimed at promoting workplace equity and supporting women’s health across sectors.

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The move comes after the Bangalore Hotels Association (BHA) challenged the state government’s November directive in the Karnataka High Court. The association argued that the order was discriminatory, pointing out that the state itself had not yet implemented menstrual leave for women employed in government departments, despite being one of the largest employers of women in the state.

By extending menstrual leave to government employees, Karnataka sets an example for equitable workplace policies, acknowledging the unique health needs of female workers. The initiative emphasizes that menstruation-related challenges should not affect women’s professional performance or attendance records.

Experts and advocates have welcomed the policy, noting that it not only promotes gender-sensitive workplace practices but also encourages broader discussions on women’s health and employee welfare. The government’s step is likely to influence other states and private employers to adopt similar provisions, signaling a progressive shift in labor policies.

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