Period Leave | Big news for working women! Government approves 12 days of ‘period leave’ per year! Applicable in government, private and IT sectors

Bengaluru – In a historic move aimed at empowering working women, the Karnataka Government has approved 12 days of paid ‘Period Leave’ per year for female employees. This landmark decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and was officially announced by Minister H.K. Patil.

This policy will be applicable across government offices, private industrial sectors, multinational companies (MNCs), and IT companies operating in the state.

Why 12 Days? The Government’s Stand

According to Labour Minister Santosh Lad, the government had been working on this proposal for over a year, keeping in mind the physical pain and mental stress women go through during menstruation.

He emphasized that women are expected to handle multiple responsibilities—household chores, childcare, and professional duties—often without sufficient rest or support, especially during menstruation.

Committee Recommendation

To assess the feasibility and need for menstrual leave, the government had formed a dedicated committee, which initially recommended 6 days of period leave per year. However, after reviewing the feedback and needs of women employees, the state government decided to double it to 12 days annually.

This decision reflects a strong commitment to gender-sensitive workplace policies and acknowledges women’s health as a legitimate concern in the workforce.

Pan-Sector Implementation

The approved policy will not be limited to the government sector alone. It will also be implemented across private companies, MNCs, and the IT industry, marking a progressive step toward equitable labor rights for women.

Background: Period Leave in India

India’s first instance of period leave was introduced in 1992 by the state of Bihar, offering 2 days of menstrual leave per month to women employees in the government sector.

Since then, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala have also introduced variations of menstrual leave, although often with specific conditions or limitations.

With Karnataka now adopting a more inclusive and expansive version, it joins the growing movement for menstrual equity in India.

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