Bengaluru: Karnataka has become the first state in India to grant one day of paid menstrual leave each month to all women employees, covering both government and private sectors. The move, recently cleared by the state cabinet, provides 12 paid leave days per year and applies to women working in offices, educational institutions, factories, and private organisations.
The policy was developed by an 18-member expert committee chaired by Dr. Sapna S, associate dean at Christ (Deemed-to-be) University. She said the committee reviewed international practices from Finland and Japan and held consultations with medical experts, employers, and workers’ representatives before finalising the proposal. “This is a step towards gender equity and recognition of menstrual health as a workplace concern,” she said.
Gynaecologists welcomed the initiative but urged a stronger focus on women’s health awareness. Dr. Hema Divakar of FIGO said menstrual symptoms often indicate underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids that require treatment. She warned that the policy must be implemented carefully to avoid workplace bias. “Employers might hesitate to assign leadership roles to women if they perceive frequent leave,” she noted.
Dr. Suhasini Inamdar from Motherhood Hospitals called menstrual leave a legitimate right and said it acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of menstruation. Experts agreed that awareness, medical access, and non-stigmatizing work environments are key to making the policy effective.
The Karnataka model is expected to influence national discussions on menstrual health and workplace equity, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
