Karnataka has created history by becoming the first state in India to make one paid period leave per month compulsory for women employees aged 18 to 52. The rule applies to women working in permanent, contractual, and outsourced roles. The state issued a formal government order to implement this new mandate.

What the Order Says

According to the order, employers must now give 12 paid menstrual leaves every year. The leave requirement covers all workplaces under several labour laws, including the Factories Act of 1948, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act of 1961, the Plantation Workers Act of 1951, the Beedi Cigar Workers Act of 1966, and the Motor Vehicle Workers Act of 1961.

The order clearly states, “Employers have been directed to provide 12 paid leaves per year to all women employees aged 18-52 in establishments coming under Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi Cigar Workers (condition of employment) Act, 1966 and Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961.”

How the Policy Was Created

The state formed an 18-member expert committee to develop this policy. Dr. Sapna S from Christ University led the panel. The committee first proposed six menstrual leaves every year. But after internal discussions and feedback from stakeholders, the government doubled it to 12 leaves.

Period Leave Is Not a New Idea

Several countries already allow menstrual leave, including Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. India also offers similar leave in some regions. Bihar and Odisha give two days per month to women in government jobs. Kerala provides menstrual leave to employees working in universities and industrial training institutes.

Rules for Availing the Leave

The new order says women must use the leave each month because they cannot carry it forward to the next month. They must encash the leave monthly. It also adds that women do not need a medical certificate to use this leave, which makes the process simpler and more accessible.

Why the Government Introduced This Policy

The Labour Department explained that menstrual leave is meant to support women’s health, improve productivity, and encourage more women to stay in the workforce. Officials said the goal is to create a fair and healthy work environment for women across sectors.

Support for the New Policy

Before finalising the policy, the government collected feedback from different trade unions and organisations. Out of those consulted, 56 groups supported the move. Interestingly, 26 supporters were from management-level positions, showing that the idea received backing across different levels of the workforce.