By Samannay Biswas

Copyright timesnownews

In a potentially first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Karnataka government is preparing to roll out the Menstrual Leave Policy (MLP), 2025, which would grant women employees one day of paid leave every month. The policy is designed to be applicable across both public and private sectors, spanning government offices, IT firms, multinational companies, and industries such as garment manufacturing. The Karnataka cabinet is expected to deliberate and potentially approve the policy in its upcoming meeting on Thursday. The Labour Department has already sought administrative clearance to implement this across the state. A Progressive Step Labour Minister Santosh Lad emphasized the policy’s inclusive nature, stating, “Karnataka will be the first state to introduce this policy comprehensively. This is applicable for all the women workforce, irrespective of government or private sector. This will be a progressive bill.” The initiative reflects growing recognition of the physical and mental stress women experience during menstruation, particularly in demanding workplaces. According to Lad, the earlier proposal of six paid leaves per year was insufficient. The current draft emphasizes 12 days annually, effectively translating to one leave per month, aligning more closely with women’s health needs. Nationwide Context Several other Indian states have experimented with menstrual leave policies, though typically with limited coverage: Kerala offers two days of menstrual leave for female trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).Bihar and Odisha provide a 12-day annual menstrual leave, but it applies only to state government employees, not the private sector. Karnataka’s approach would be unique in its sector-wide application, covering both government and private employees, potentially setting a benchmark for other states. Impact on Workforce Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital, houses hundreds of garment factories employing around five lakh workers, nearly 90% of whom are women. The city also hosts large IT and corporate hubs. If approved, the policy could benefit tens of thousands of women across industries, offering both recognition of their health needs and a measure of workplace flexibility. Minister Lad added, “I am aware of the physical pain and mental stress that every woman goes through during this time. These days, women are in every field. This policy will help each one of them.” The cabinet’s approval could make Karnataka the first state to implement a universal menstrual leave policy, signaling a significant shift in workplace welfare norms in India. Advocates argue that it not only supports women’s health but also promotes workplace equity and productivity by acknowledging and accommodating physiological needs.