Karnataka rolls out paid menstrual leave for women employees
Karnataka just became the first Indian state to offer paid menstrual leave for women in both government and private jobs.
Women aged 18-52 can now take one paid day off each month during their period—no doctor's note needed.
The move is meant to support women's health and encourage more inclusive workplaces, while also tackling period stigma head-on.
Why does it matter?
This policy covers all female employees, whether permanent, contract, or outsourced, across industries.
It gives up to 12 days of extra paid leave a year and doesn't require any medical proof—just trust.
Karnataka joins countries like Japan and South Korea in recognizing menstrual health at work.
If this works well, it could inspire other states to follow suit and make workplaces across India more gender-friendly.