Karnataka mandates one period leave per month for all working women

Karnataka has become the first state in India to mandate one period leave per month for women between the ages of 18 and 52 in all permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs, according to a government order.

The order said, “Employers have been directed to provide 12 paid leaves per year to all women employees aged 18-52 in establishments coming under Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi Cigar Workers (condition of employment) Act, 1966 and Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961.”

The policy was formulated by an 18-member committee headed by Dr Sapna S of Christ University. It initially suggested six days’ leave per year, but was later upgraded to 12 leaves.

The idea of menstrual leave isn’t new. Several countries, including Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, already provide it. In India, some states have also introduced limited menstrual leave; for example, Bihar and Odisha grant two days per month to government employees, while Kerala offers it to staff at universities and industrial training institutes.

Under the new mandate, women employees are required to encash the period leaves every month as they cannot be “carried over” to the next month. The order also specifies that women do not need to submit a medical certificate to take period leaves.  

The government order issued by the Labour Department stated that menstrual leave is being provided to address health concerns, improve efficiency, and promote greater participation of women in the workforce.

The government order has highlighted that feedback was sought from several trade unions and organisations, of which 56 backed the policy. Twenty-six of those who supported the menstrual leave belonged to management-level jobs.