State makes historic policy change
Details of the entitlement
The policy grants women one paid day off each month for menstrual-related absence, adding up to 12 paid days annually. The leave is paid and counted as part of each woman’s regular pay for that day.
Scope and applicability
The menstrual leave policy will apply across both government and private sectors in Karnataka. Employers in both domains are required to implement the provision as specified.
How the benefit is delivered
Practically, the measure provides an additional paid day off each month to women employees. When taken, that day will be treated as paid leave and recorded accordingly in payroll systems.
Significance for women workers
By instituting a clear paid entitlement of 12 days per year, the state formalises menstrual-related leave as a paid workforce benefit available to women in both the public and private workforce.