Karnataka’s Menstrual Leave Policy

The Government of Karnataka has approved a Menstrual Leave Policy for all women employees. 

About the Policy

• Aims to recognise menstrual health as a legitimate workplace concern and promote gender-sensitive employment practices.
• Scope: Applies to all women employees in government offices, educational institutions, factories, and private organisations.
• Provides 12 days of menstrual leave per year (one per month).
• Developed after extensive consultations involving gynaecologists, psychiatrists, professors, employers, employees, NGOs, and trade unions.

What is Menstrual Leave?

• Menstrual leave refers to a paid or unpaid leave option available to women and transgender individuals during menstruation, acknowledging the physical and psychological discomfort associated with it.
• It seeks to treat menstrual health as a legitimate workplace and public health concern rather than a taboo subject.

Need for Implementation of Menstrual Leave Policy in India

• Constitutional Mandate:
  • Aligns with Article 15(3) (special provisions for women), Article 46 (promotion of weaker sections), and Article 42(humane working conditions).
  • Supports the Right to Health and Dignity under Article 21 by recognising menstruation as a legitimate health concern.
• Addresses Health and Biological Needs:
  • Menstruation is often accompanied by cramps, fatigue, nausea, and hormonal changes.
  • Disorders like endometriosis, adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea can cause severe pain, impacting daily functioning and productivity.
• Enhances Productivity:
  • Women attending work despite discomfort may experience reduced efficiency (“presenteeism”).
  • Allowing rest improves overall workplace morale and performance.
• Breaking Stereotypes and Stigma:
  • Encourages open conversation and awareness, challenging centuries-old social conditioning and promoting menstrual literacy.
  • Menstrual leave policies help break taboos surrounding menstruation, often perceived as “impure” or “dirty.”

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Status of Menstrual Leave Policy in India

• At National Level
  • No national law currently mandates menstrual leave across India.
  • Draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy (2023): Recognises need for gender-sensitive workplaces supporting leave and flexible work options.
  • The Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, 2022: Private Member’s Bill proposing three days of paid leave and access to menstrual products in workplaces and educational institutions.
• At the State Level
• • Bihar (1992): Two days of paid menstrual leave monthly for govt. Employees
  • Kerala (2023): Female students in all State universities under Higher Education Dept.
• Private Sector Initiatives: Firms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Byju’s, Culture Machine, and Gozoop provide paid menstrual leave, setting examples for industry self-regulation.

Global Initiatives on Menstrual Leave Policy

• Japan (1947): Women entitled to menstrual leave upon request (Labour Standards Act).
• South Korea (2001): One day of paid “physiological leave” monthly; unused days can be encashed.
• Spain (2023): First EU nation to provide state-backed paid menstrual leave.

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