Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 Karnataka Government Notification
Rahul Kunwar
Expert in Labour Law and Compliance 15+ Years Experience
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In a landmark move toward gender equity, the Government of Karnataka officially notified the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 (Government Order No. LD 466 LET 2023), effective November 2025, mandating one day of paid menstrual leave per month for all women employees aged 18 to 52 across both public and private sectors. This policy applies to over 60 lakh women in the formal workforce, including those in IT/BT, MNCs, garment units, and factories, as well as contractual and outsourced staff. Key provisions of the mandate include a non-cumulative structure where leave cannot be carried forward, a total entitlement of 12 days annually, and a strict prohibition on requiring medical certificates for its utilization to ensure employee dignity and privacy. By grounding this order in five major labor statutes—including the Factories Act and the Shops & Commercial Establishments Act—Karnataka has become the first Indian state to transition menstrual leave from a discretionary benefit to a binding statutory right, aimed at enhancing workforce participation, mental well-being, and workplace efficiency.
Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 Karnataka Government Notification
Government of Karnataka – Labour Department
Subject:
Implementation of “Menstrual Leave” for women employees working in establishments across the State of Karnataka, including Government institutions, public sector units, private companies, MNCs, IT/BT firms, factories, commercial establishments and various organisations.
Reference:
Government Order No. KaAaE 466 KaSaNi 2023, dated: 12/11/2025
Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1961
Factories Act, 1948
Shops & Commercial Establishments Act, 1961
Contract Labour Act, 1970
Minimum Wages Act, 1948
Other relevant labour laws
Context and Background:
The Government reviewed the proposal regarding the provision of “Menstrual Leave” for women employees working in various sectors across Karnataka.
A committee was formed to study this policy, including representation from:
Government departments
Labour organisations
Employer associations
Specialist medical practitioners
Women welfare groups
The committee examined menstrual health issues faced by women at the workplace and recommended one paid menstrual leave per month.
After detailed discussion, the Government has accepted the committee’s recommendation and issued the following order.
📢 Official Order
Menstrual Leave Policy – 2025
Women employees shall be granted ONE DAY of paid “Menstrual Leave” per month.
This leave is applicable to all eligible women employees working in:Government departments
Boards and corporations
Private companies
MNCs
IT/BT sector
Commercial establishments
Shops, factories, and other registered establishments
A total of 12 paid menstrual leave days per year shall be made available.
Menstrual leave cannot be carried forward to the next year (No carry-over).
Women employees may take this leave on any one day during their monthly cycle.
Employers shall not demand medical proof unless misuse is suspected.Employers must update internal HR policies and attendance systems to incorporate this leave.
This order is applicable from the date of issue.
Issued By:
Karnataka State Labour Department
(Signature & Seal)
Date: 12/11/2025
Copy forwarded to:
All Department Secretaries
All Deputy Commissioners
Labour Commissioner, Karnataka
Director, Factories & Boilers
All concerned Boards, Corporations & Establishments
