The Karnataka government is in the final stages of establishing a legislation that would provide women with six days of paid menstrual leave every year, a decision that might benefit countless employees throughout the state.
If passed, Karnataka will join Bihar, Kerala, and Odisha as the fourth state in India to provide such leave.
The Deccan Herald report quoted Labour Minister Santhosh Lad speaking about the initiative, noting that an 18-member committee led by Professor Sapna S from Christ University has completed its report on the subject. “Sapna and her team have done excellent work,” Lad remarked. “Their report suggests providing six paid menstrual leaves for women. This is significant, as I have seen firsthand how women experience various physiological changes during their menstrual cycle that require rest.”
The proposed policy aims to encourage more women to enter the workforce, especially as their participation rates remain low. Lad plans to meet with the committee to discuss their recommendations, after which the proposals will be shared with the public, businesses and other stakeholders for feedback.
Principal Secretary (Labour) Mohammed Mohsin confirmed that the policy would extend to female employees in both the government and private sectors. “The goal is to eventually formulate a law for effective implementation after further discussions and policy refinement,” he stated.
The topic of menstrual leave has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that it fosters a more inclusive work culture, while opponents worry it could discourage employers from hiring women. Former Union Minister Smriti Irani ignited controversy by saying that paid menstrual leave could be seen as portraying menstruation as a “handicap.”
Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, expressed a balanced view on the matter, stating, “While everyone who needs such leave should be able to take it, it should not be mandatory. Making it compulsory might deter organisations from hiring women, widening the existing gap in workforce participation.”
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