Karnataka approves 12 menstrual leaves a year across sectors

BENGALURU: Karnataka cabinet, chaired by CM Siddaramaiah, Thursday approved a policy granting one paid menstrual leave every month (12 in a year) to women employees across all sectors - including government offices, garment factories, IT firms, MNCs, and private industrial units. The initiative is expected to benefit over 50 lakh women in the state, and the policy is likely to be notified soon. CM Siddaramaiah described the policy as a step toward creating a more humane, understanding, and inclusive workplace. With this move, Karnataka joins Bihar and Odisha in granting menstrual leave to women employees. While Bihar restricts the benefit to women government staff (two days per month), Odisha offers 12 such leaves annually to women employees across all sectors. Law Commission of Karna