Will Karnataka Government Introduce Menstrual Leave for College Students?
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Synopsis
Karnataka's government is considering menstrual leave for college students. This initiative follows recent policies aimed at supporting women's health and well-being in educational settings, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of menstrual health. As the Chief Minister deliberates, this could mark a significant step toward enhanced support for female students in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government is considering menstrual leave for college students.
- Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar is awaiting directives from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
- A similar policy for working women has already been established.
- Karnataka High Court has issued a temporary stay on the current menstrual leave notification for workers.
- The Cabinet approved the Menstrual Leave Policy in October 2025.
Bengaluru, Jan 2 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Higher Education, M.C. Sudhakar, announced on Friday that a decision regarding menstrual leave for college students will be made following directives from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, the Minister highlighted that the government is prepared to implement this leave for female students enrolled in colleges and postgraduate programs, pending the Chief Minister’s instructions.
“Once we receive directives from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, we will finalize the decision, and his word will be definitive,” Sudhakar remarked.
Earlier, the Karnataka government had declared a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women, allowing those aged between 18 and 52 years to take one day of paid leave each month.
This policy aims to provide women with necessary rest during their menstrual cycles and is applicable to permanent, contractual, and outsourced employees.
The government order, issued on November 12, 2025, mandates employers to provide a total of 12 paid menstrual leaves annually.
However, on December 9, the Karnataka High Court issued a temporary stay on this notification, which directed registered industrial establishments to offer one-day menstrual leave to working women.
This stay was enacted while addressing petitions from the Bangalore Hotels Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Limited, who contested the government’s notification.
Later that day, the High Court lifted its interim stay on the state's notification. The case is set to be revisited after the winter break, with the High Court resuming its sessions on January 5.
The notification, released on November 20, 2025, required industrial establishments to grant paid menstrual leave to female employees.
The petition that sought to invalidate the government order argued that these establishments are governed under various labor laws, which currently only entitle employees to 12 days of leave each year.
The Karnataka Cabinet had previously endorsed the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, in October of last year, allowing women to take one paid leave each month.
Point of View
The potential introduction of menstrual leave for college students in Karnataka reflects evolving attitudes towards women's rights and health. It signals a recognition of the unique challenges faced by female students and could influence similar policies across the country.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposed menstrual leave policy in Karnataka?
The proposed policy aims to provide menstrual leave for college students, allowing them necessary time off during their menstrual cycles, similar to the one-day paid leave already granted to working women.
When can we expect an official announcement?
An official announcement is expected to follow directions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which have yet to be issued.
Is there a precedent for menstrual leave in Karnataka?
Yes, the Karnataka government recently implemented a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women aged 18 to 52.
What was the Karnataka High Court's stance on the menstrual leave notification?
The Karnataka High Court issued a temporary stay on the government's notification regarding menstrual leave for working women but later lifted this stay.
Who will benefit from the menstrual leave policy?
If implemented, the policy will benefit female college students and those enrolled in postgraduate programs.
