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Karnataka Mandates 12 Days Paid Menstrual Leave Annually for Women Employees

The Karnataka government has mandated 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year for women employees in both government and private sectors. The order, issued by the state's Education Department, applies to women aged 18 to 52 and is effective immediately. Employees can avail one day of leave per month without needing to produce a medical certificate. The policy is designed to enhance efficiency and boost the morale of women in the workforce.

Key Points: Karnataka Mandates 12 Days Annual Menstrual Leave

  • 12 days paid leave annually
  • Applies to government and private sectors
  • No medical certificate required
  • Leave cannot be carried forward
2 min read

Karnataka mandates 12 days of menstrual leave for women employees

Karnataka govt orders 12 days paid menstrual leave per year for women employees in govt & private sectors. New policy aims to boost morale.

"To enhance the efficiency and performance of women employees - Karnataka Education Department order"

Bengaluru, Jan 30

The Karnataka Education Department has issued a circular on Thursday ordering granting of provision of menstrual leave facility for women government employees in the state.

The order in this regard has been issued by the Commissioner of the School Education Department, Vikas Suralkar.

It may be noted that the Karnataka government issued a November 2025 order mandating 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually (1 day/month) for women in both government and private sectors, covering ages 18-52, applicable across various establishments under different labour laws.

The order by the Education department stated, "To enhance the efficiency and performance of women employees working in various departments of the state, and to boost their morale, the provisions for availing one day of paid leave per month during the menstrual cycle-amounting to a total of 12 days of paid leave annually-shall be as proposed in Reference (2) and as specified in the Government Order dated Nov 12, 2025."

The order has also mentioned conditions. They include, "Women employees shall avail the menstrual leave for the respective month only in that month. Carrying forward unused menstrual leave to the subsequent month shall not be permitted; Women employees are not required to produce any medical certificate to avail one day of menstrual leave per month.

Women government employees aged between 18 and 52 years who are menstruating shall be eligible to avail this leave. The competent authority empowered to sanction casual leave shall also be authorised to sanction menstrual leave. This leave shall be entered separately in the leave/attendance register.

Menstrual leave shall not be combined with any other kind of leave, the order stated.

The order further stated, "The facility may be availed by submitting an application to the competent authority. Employees availing the leave shall, depending on the circumstances, necessarily bring to the notice of the concerned section officer any urgent office files or court-related files and ensure that responsibilities are duly attended to."

"In accordance with the above government orders, menstrual leave shall be implemented for women employees working in departmental offices who are within the age limit of 52 years and are menstruating, with effect from the date of issuance of the government order," the order said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I'm concerned about the implementation in the private sector. Will this lead to unconscious bias against hiring women? Small businesses might struggle. The policy needs safeguards to ensure it doesn't backfire.
A
Ananya R
Finally! Breaking the taboo around menstruation in the workplace. It's not just about pain, it's about dignity and recognizing a natural biological process. Hope other states follow suit. More power to working women!
V
Vikram M
As a manager, I support this. A rested and healthy employee is a productive one. The condition to hand over urgent work is sensible. It's about well-being, not an extra holiday. Good move for employee morale.
S
Sarah B
Interesting policy. We don't have anything like this back home. It seems very compassionate. I wonder if it will actually improve efficiency as intended, or create scheduling challenges for teams. Will be watching how it plays out.
K
Karthik V
A step in the right direction for gender-sensitive policies. However, the age limit of 52 might be problematic. Menopause age varies. Also, what about women with conditions like PCOS who might need more than a day? The policy is a start but could be more inclusive.
M
Meera T

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

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