The Government of Karnataka has approved a revolutionary policy aimed at changing the world of work for women in India. With the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, the state introduces one day of paid leave per month for all female workers, without distinction between the public and private sectors. The measure, approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Siddaramaiah, is designed to promote a more inclusive, humane and respectful working environment for women’s needs.
The new policy affects over 5 million women employed in government offices, textile factories, technology companies, multinationals and private industries. In a state like Karnataka, where female labor participation reaches 31.5%, the impact will be significant, especially in large cities like Bengaluru, the heart of India’s tech industry.
Female garment factory workers, who make up around 90% of the sector’s workforce, are among the main beneficiaries. But the measure also extends to professionals from start-ups, MNCs and IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro and Google. According to Labor Minister Santosh Lad, the measure was developed over the last year, listening to over 70 stakeholders.
From debate to law: a sign of progress for all of India
The proposal was born after there was discussion in 2024 of granting six days of leave per year, but the government decided to double the figure to twelve, to better respond to women’s needs. The Law Commission of Karnataka has drafted the Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, which also provides for fines of up to 5,000 rupees for employers who refuse or discriminate against menstruating employees.
With this decision, Karnataka joins Bihar and Odisha, where menstrual leave already exists, but limits the measure to state employees. The Karnataka initiative, however, is the first to have universal scope, including women workers from every sector. A sign that India is starting to recognize menstrual health as a work right and not a taboo, paving the way for a more equitable and conscious work culture.
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