Karnataka extends menstrual leave to government employees

The Karnataka government has extended its one-day paid menstrual leave per month policy to female government employees aged 18–52, with immediate effect from December 2, 2025. Previously, the policy applied only to women in private-sector establishments. Women in permanent, contractual, and outsourced government roles can now avail of this leave, which is granted by the authority competent to approve casual leave. No medical certificate is required, and the leave must be entered separately in the attendance book, without being combined with other leaves.

. While the move is seen as a step toward recognizing women’s health needs, it has limitations: it covers women aged 18–52, provides just one day per month, and excludes freelance or irregular workers. Industries like media, film, and other project-based sectors remain largely outside its scope, despite ongoing debates about working hours and leave policies.

The Bangalore Hotels Association (BHA) recently approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the November 2025 directive that made menstrual leave compulsory for women employees across various sectors.

Responding to organisations opposing the policy, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, “ It is a Government policy. We have to do equality; I don't feel we should differentiate between men and women .”

By comparison, Bihar provides two days of menstrual leave per month, while most other states, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, currently have no such law. Observers and activists argue that menstrual leave should be introduced in all states, ensuring women employees across India have access to this essential health-related benefit.