The Karnataka Cabinet has provisionally approved the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, granting one paid leave day each month to women employees across the state.
This policy is approved but remains Provisional pending the issuance of the official Government Notification. The details below are based on the current understanding gathered from public announcements and news reports. Accurate and final details will be available only upon the official notification.
Key Provisions (Subject to Final Government Notification)
Applicability
- The policy is intended to apply to all women employees whose work location or registered employment is within Karnataka.
- The policy is provisional until the official government notification is released.
- This leave is in addition to existing leave entitlements, unless a specific statute or the final notification directs otherwise.
- The applicability to contractors, interns, and gig workers is subject to the details in the final government notification.
Entitlement and Pay
- Employees are entitled to one paid menstrual leave day per month (totaling 12 days per year).
- There will be no loss of pay for the menstrual leave days taken.
- The leave does not require pre-approval. Employees must notify their manager and/or HR promptly upon taking the leave.
Documentation and Confidentiality
- A medical certificate is not required for routine, single-day menstrual leave.
- HR may request documentation only if the leave consistently exceeds one day per month or if the pattern of leave is inconsistent with the policy.
- All leave requests under this policy will be treated with strict confidentiality.
- No adverse action is to be taken against an employee for availing menstrual leave. Violations of this provision are subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.