Has Karnataka mandated 12 days of menstrual leave for women employees?
Synopsis
In a progressive move, Karnataka's government has introduced a policy mandating 12 days of menstrual leave for women employees. This groundbreaking step aims to enhance workplace productivity and morale for women. Read more about how this policy can reshape workplace dynamics and support women's health.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka mandates 12 days of paid menstrual leave for women employees.
The leave is applicable for government and private sector workers.
Eligible age range is 18 to 52 years.
No medical certificate is needed to avail of the leave.
Unused leave cannot be carried over to the next month.
Bengaluru, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka Education Department has released a circular on Thursday mandating the implementation of menstrual leave for women government workers in the state.
This directive was issued by Vikas Suralkar, the Commissioner of the School Education Department.
Importantly, the Karnataka government had previously enacted an order in November 2025 that mandates 12 days of paid menstrual leave each year (1 day per month) for women across both government and private sectors, encompassing those aged between 18 and 52, and applicable across various labor laws.
The Education Department's order emphasizes that this initiative is intended to improve the productivity and morale of women employees within the state's departments, allowing them to take one day of paid leave per month during their menstrual cycle—totaling 12 days of paid leave annually—as per the specifications in the Government Order dated Nov 12, 2025.
Conditions outlined in the order state that women employees must use their menstrual leave within the relevant month, as unused leave cannot be carried over to the next month. Furthermore, no medical certificate is required to avail of this leave.
Women government employees who are menstruating and fall within the age range of 18 to 52 years are eligible to utilize this leave. The authority responsible for granting casual leave will also be authorized to sanction menstrual leave, which should be recorded separately in the leave and attendance register.
The order stipulates that menstrual leave cannot be combined with other forms of leave.
To avail of this benefit, employees need to submit an application to the relevant authority. Those on leave should ensure that any urgent office or court-related tasks are managed appropriately.
The implementation of menstrual leave for eligible women employees in departmental offices will take effect immediately following the issuance of the government order.
Point of View
Policies like these can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of menstrual leave mandated by Karnataka?
Karnataka has mandated 12 days of menstrual leave annually for women employees, allowing one day per month.
Who is eligible for menstrual leave in Karnataka?
Women government employees aged between 18 and 52 years who experience menstruation are eligible for this leave.
Is a medical certificate required to avail menstrual leave?
No, women employees are not required to provide a medical certificate to avail one day of menstrual leave each month.
Can menstrual leave be carried over to the next month?
No, unused menstrual leave cannot be carried forward to the subsequent month.
How can employees apply for menstrual leave?
Employees can apply for menstrual leave by submitting an application to the competent authority.
