Published: November 15, 2025, 01:06 PM
Karnataka has become one of the first Indian states to mandate one-day paid menstrual leave each month for all women workers—across permanent, contractual and outsourced roles—without requiring any medical proof.
The Karnataka government in India has issued an order making it compulsory to grant one-day paid menstrual leave per month to all working women in permanent, contractual, and outsourced jobs.
"The concerned employers are directed to provide the facility of 12 days paid leave per annum, one day per month, during their menstrual cycle to all permanent/contract/outsourced female employees between the age group of 18 to 52 years," said the government order issued Wednesday, following up on the state cabinet clearing the Menstrual Leave Policy in October.
According to the order, the female employees need not submit any medical certificate to avail a day`s menstrual leave every month.
"It is applicable to women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961, with the good intention of enhancing their health, efficiency and performance and enhancing their mental well-being," the order said.
As per the order, female employees have to use the menstrual leave in that very month.
