The Karnataka government has announced it will strictly implement its paid menstrual leave policy across all sectors after a directive from the Karnataka High Court. The court instructed authorities to ensure the policy is enforced “strictly and faithfully,” emphasizing the importance of timely execution while formal legislation is still pending.
Under the policy, women employees are entitled to one day of paid menstrual leave each month, amounting to up to 12 days annually. The benefit is designed to apply broadly across both public and private sector workplaces, reflecting a push toward more inclusive and gender-sensitive labor practices.
State Labour Minister Santosh Lad welcomed the court’s intervention, describing menstrual leave as a matter of dignity, justice, and recognition of women’s lived experiences. He said the government is committed to implementing the policy comprehensively and positioning it as a model for the rest of the country.
The High Court’s directive comes amid ongoing efforts to formalize the policy through legislation, with authorities working to ensure uniform enforcement across industries. The move is seen as part of a broader shift toward improving workplace welfare and acknowledging menstrual health as a legitimate factor in employee well-being.