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Karnataka Considers Extending Menstrual Leave to College Students

The Karnataka government is considering extending its menstrual leave policy to female college and postgraduate students, pending a directive from the Chief Minister. This follows a state policy already implemented for working women, granting 12 paid days of leave annually. However, that policy for industrial workers is currently under legal challenge, with a High Court stay issued and then recalled in December. The court will revisit the matter after its winter vacation, leaving the final status of both policies to be determined.

Key Points: Karnataka May Grant Menstrual Leave for College Students

  • Policy extension to students considered
  • Existing policy for workers faces court challenge
  • Provides 12 paid days annually
  • Legal status pending after winter vacation
2 min read

Karnataka govt mulls menstrual leave for college students

Karnataka's Higher Education Minister says menstrual leave for college students will be announced if the Chief Minister directs, following a policy for working women currently under legal review.

"Once directions come from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a decision will be taken, and his word will be final. - Minister M.C. Sudhakar"

Bengaluru, Jan 2

Karnataka Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar on Friday said that an announcement on granting menstrual leave for college students would be made if directions are issued by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Minister made the statement in Bengaluru while responding to a media query on the issue. He said that if the Chief Minister issues directions, the government would announce menstrual leave for female students studying in colleges as well as postgraduate programmes in universities.

"Once directions come from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a decision will be taken, and his word will be final," Sudhakar said.

It may be recalled that the Karnataka government recently announced one-day menstrual leave for working women, under which women aged between 18 and 52 years are entitled to one day of paid leave every month.

The policy provides for a paid holiday to allow women to rest during menstruation and applies to permanent, contractual and outsourced employees.

The government order in this regard was issued on November 12, 2025, directing employers to provide a total of 12 paid menstrual leaves annually.

However, the Karnataka High Court on December 9 issued an interim order staying the government notification directing registered industrial establishments to provide one-day menstrual leave for working women.

The interim order was passed while hearing petitions filed by the Bangalore Hotels Association and the management of Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Limited, challenging the government notification.

Later the same day, the High Court recalled its interim stay on the State government's notification. The matter is scheduled to be relisted after the winter vacation, with the High Court resuming work from January 5.

The government notification, issued on November 20, 2025, mandated industrial establishments to provide paid menstrual leave to women employees.

The petition seeking to quash the government order stated that the establishments are registered under various labour laws -- including the Factories Act, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, the Plantations Labour Act, the Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, and the Motor Transport Workers Act -- under which employees are entitled to only 12 days of leave per year.

The Karnataka Cabinet had approved the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, in October last year, granting women one paid leave per month.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but the execution needs careful thought. How will attendance requirements be adjusted? Won't this lead to a backlog of classes for female students? The policy for working women is already facing legal challenges. The government should focus on creating robust infrastructure first, like better sanitation facilities on campuses.
A
Ananya R
Finally! Breaking the taboo around menstruation is so important. My sister in engineering college often has to miss labs due to severe cramps and faces mark deductions. This policy will normalize a natural process and support girls in pursuing education without added stress. Kudos to Karnataka for leading the way! 💪
V
Vikram M
I support the intent, but making it "paid leave" for students doesn't make sense. Students don't get a salary. The focus should be on a simple "sanctioned absence" without penalty. Also, what about transparency? This shouldn't become a loophole for skipping classes unnecessarily. The policy needs clear guidelines.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this discussion in India. As an exchange student who studied in Bengaluru, I noticed how hush-hush the topic was. This policy could really change campus culture for the better. It's about health and dignity, not just a day off.
K
Karthik V
The government is sending the right message, but the back-and-forth in the High Court shows poor planning. First, get the policy for employees settled legally. Then think about extending it. Jumping the gun creates confusion and reduces trust in such welfare measures. Solid groundwork is needed, not just announcements.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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