In a landmark decision, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the Menstrual Leave Policy-2025, making it the first state in India to extend one paid menstrual leave per month to women employees across both government and private sectors.

Under the new policy, women working in state government offices, garment factories, IT firms, multinational companies, and other private organisations will be entitled to 12 paid menstrual leaves annually.

Odisha and Bihar currently allow menstrual leave only for women in government services, while Kerala has implemented it in universities.

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Panel recommendation led to policy

The Labour Department moved the proposal following a committee’s recommendation that pushed for paid menstrual leave for women employee

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