The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved a menstrual leave policy, which will allow women employees in both government and private sectors to avail one paid leave each month as menstrual leave.

The Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 will allow women to take up to 12 paid leaves annually as menstrual leave.

The development was announced yesterday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on X (formerly Twitter). His statement read,

"Through the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, women employees across Karnataka will now receive one paid leave day every month - a step towards a more humane, understanding, and inclusive workplace."

According to a report by the Deccan Herald, the policy will apply to women working in government offices, garment factories, multinational companies, IT firms, and private sector organisations across the State.

The report adds that the policy is based on a report submitted in 2024 by an 18-member committee headed by Sapna S, Associate Dean and Head of the School of Law at Christ (Deemed to be) University.

The committee included representatives from industries, trade unions, government departments, doctors, gynaecologists, and professors from the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Christ University.