Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Karnataka Mandates 12 Paid Menstrual Leaves Annually for Women
Karnataka is now the first place in India to say that women who work can take 12 days off each year because of their periods.
This means they get paid for these days, and they don't need to go to the doctor to get permission.
They have to use these days each month, and they can't save them up for later.
This new rule is to help women feel better, work more effectively, and encourage more women to keep their jobs.
It's like a special paid day off to take care of themselves when they need it most.
Karnataka becomes the first state in India to mandate one period leave per month for women.
The policy grants 12 paid leaves per year to women aged 18-52 in various employment types.
Leaves must be encashed monthly and cannot be carried over to the next month.
No medical certificate is required for women to avail menstrual leave.
The objective is to address health concerns, boost efficiency, and encourage women's workforce participation.
- Who
- Women employees aged 18-52 in Karnataka
- What
- Mandated to receive 12 paid menstrual leaves per year
- When
- Effective from the government order issuance
- Where
- Karnataka
- Why
- To address health concerns, improve efficiency, and promote greater participation of women in the workforce
Support
Concerns
Employee Benefits
Support
Provides necessary support for women's health and well-being, addressing period-related discomfort and promoting better workforce participation.
Concerns
Concerns about potential misuse of the leave and its impact on productivity if not managed correctly.
Implementation
Support
The policy is clear, with no requirement for medical certificates, making it easily accessible.
Concerns
Some employers might face administrative challenges in managing monthly encashment and ensuring no carry-over, potentially leading to complexities.
- State
- Karnataka
- Policy
- 12 paid menstrual leaves per year
- Eligibility
- Women aged 18-52 in permanent, contractual, and outsourced jobs
- Applicable Acts
- Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi Cigar Workers Act, 1966; Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961
- Leave Encashment
- Must be encashed monthly, cannot be carried over
- Medical Certificate
- Not required