Blogs

KARNATAKA MENSTRUAL LEAVE POLICY 2025

Shubhi   |   18 Nov 2025

The Karnataka government has implemented a landmark policy mandating paid menstrual leave for working women in the state. This is a progressive move aimed at supporting women's health and well-being in the workplace.

The key highlights of the policy are as follows:

Requirement

Details

Eligible Employees

All female employees in the age group of 18 to 52 years who are employed in:
i. Permanent roles
ii. Contractual roles
iii. Outsourced roles

Applicable Establishments

The policy applies to establishments registered under the following Acts:
i. Factories Act, 1948
ii. Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
iii. Plantation Workers Act, 1951
iv. Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
v. Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961

Documentation

No Medical Certificate is required to avail of the monthly menstrual leave. The process is based on employee declaration.

Carry Forward

The menstrual leave for a given month must be utilised within that same month. It cannot be carried forward to subsequent months.

Paid Leave

The leave must be paid, ensuring no deduction in the employee's wages for the day taken.

Confidentiality

Employers are strongly advised to handle requests with sensitivity and strict confidentiality to prevent workplace bias or stigma.

Record Keeping/Policy Update

Employers are required to update their HR policies and leave management systems immediately to incorporate this new, mandatory provision.

 

Disclaimer: This is an effort by Lexcomply.com, to contribute towards improving compliance management regime. User is advised not to construe this service as legal opinion and is advisable to take a view of subject experts.