Taking a historic step, the Karnataka government has approved giving one day menstrual leave i.e. period leave to working women every month. This decision will be applicable to women working in both government and private sectors, which will provide physical and mental relief to women and maintain their dignity at the workplace.
Highlights of Menstrual Leave Policy
On Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet, while approving the proposal of Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, announced that women will get a total of 12 days of paid leave in a year. Women can take this leave whenever they want during their menstruation. Law Minister H.K. Patil said that this policy will be applicable to women working in government offices, multinational companies, IT companies, garment industry and all private industries.
The committee had suggested these measures
An 18-member committee headed by Sapna S, head of the law department of Christ University, played an important role in implementing this policy. The committee had recommended granting leave keeping in mind the physical and mental changes during menstruation of women. The committee also suggested appropriate rules for women in the work environment.
Government’s viewpoint
Labor Minister Santosh Lad said that the government was preparing to implement this policy for the last one year. She said that women are often under stress under domestic responsibilities apart from work, hence menstrual leave is necessary. He also said that the possibility of misuse of this holiday is less and changes will be made in the rules if needed.
Status of menstrual leave in India
Menstrual leave was first introduced in India in 1992 by the state of Bihar, where female government employees are given two days of paid leave every month. This facility is also available in states like Kerala and Odisha under certain rules. Karnataka has now become the first state to implement this policy on a large scale.
Benefits to women
This policy will help women to work in conditions of physical comfort and better health. This will increase their efficiency and they will also feel mentally strong. Additionally, this step will also be helpful in promoting gender equality at the workplace.
This menstrual leave policy of the Government of Karnataka is a progressive and necessary step for women which reduces workplace problems as well as practicalizes women empowerment. It is expected that other states will also move in the same direction and adopt such policies in the interest of women.