Karnataka Becomes First Indian State to Grant Paid Menstrual Leave to Women
The southern Indian state of Karnataka has become the first in the country to offer paid menstrual leave to women in formal jobs, covering those aged 18 to 52 in government and private sectors.
Under the new policy:
- Women are entitled to one day of menstrual leave per month, which cannot be carried forward.
- No medical certificate is required.
-
The policy applies to 350,000–400,000 women in the formal sector but excludes domestic workers, daily-wage labourers, and gig workers in the informal sector.
Experts note that while the policy is progressive, extending it to the informal sector remains a key challenge. The policy is not limited to government employees, marking a significant step forward by including the private sector.
Globally, menstrual leave is already offered in countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.
In India, Bihar and Odisha provide two days per month to government employees, while Kerala extends leave to university and industrial staff. Karnataka’s policy is the first to include private-sector women regardless of job type or contract.
The move has sparked debate:
- Supporters call it a necessary right that allows women to avoid losing pay or working through severe menstrual pain.
-
Critics raise concerns about potential gender bias or social stigma.
Menstruation remains a taboo subject in many parts of India. Some women say societal stigma may make it difficult to request leave, while others see the policy as a tool to normalize discussions around menstruation.
Officials and experts encourage women to use the leave and stress the importance of addressing the deep-rooted stigma surrounding menstruation.
Karnataka’s initiative could pave the way for broader acceptance of menstrual leave across India, fostering workplace equality and helping de-stigmatize menstruation in society.
