Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Bengaluru Mandates Paid Monthly Menstrual Leave for Women Aged 18-52
Working women in Bengaluru, between the ages of 18 and 52, can now get one paid day off from work each month to help with period pain.
This is a new rule from the Karnataka government, making it the first state in India to do this.
They will get a total of 12 paid days off each year.
This means they can take one day off every month.
They don't need to show a doctor's note to get this leave.
However, they must use the leave in the same month and cannot save it for later.
While some people think this is a great idea to help women feel better, others worry it might make it harder for companies to hire women.
Some believe companies might let women work from home on these days instead.
Female employees in Bengaluru aged 18-52 are now eligible for one paid menstrual leave per month.
The policy grants a total of 12 paid menstrual leave days annually.
The leave is applicable to permanent, contract, and outsourced women employees in various registered industries and establishments.
Menstrual leave must be utilized within the same month and cannot be carried forward.
No medical certificate is required to avail this leave, which aims to enhance women's health and well-being.
- Who
- Working women aged 18-52 years in Bengaluru across various sectors.
- What
- One day of paid menstrual leave per month, totaling 12 days annually, without requiring a medical certificate.
- When
- Effective after the Karnataka government issued an order, following the policy's clearance by the Karnataka Cabinet last month.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- To enhance the health, efficiency, performance, and mental well-being of women employees.
Supporters of the Policy
Concerns and Criticisms
Impact on Hiring
Supporters of the Policy
The policy is a good initiative that aims to improve women's health and well-being.
Concerns and Criticisms
Some users are concerned that companies might hesitate to hire women due to this policy, advocating for stricter laws against hiring discrimination.
Work Arrangements
Supporters of the Policy
The leave provides relief for women experiencing intense period pain.
Concerns and Criticisms
It is suggested that companies might allow women to work from home during their period leave, which is seen as an improvement.
- Eligibility Age
- 18-52 years
- Leave Frequency
- One paid day per month
- Annual Leave Days
- 12 days (paid)
- Carry Forward Policy
- Cannot be carried forward; must be used within the same month.
- Required Documentation
- No medical certificate required
- Applicable Sectors
- Industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.
