Relief Or Risk? What Karnataka's Public Thinks Of Menstrual Leave Policy

In November this year, the Karnataka government announced the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 notification, which states one paid menstrual leave per month (total 12 leaves per year) for employees in both public and private sectors. It applies to working women in permanent, outsourced, and contractual positions. The women do not have to submit a medical certificate to avail the leave.

The policy was contested by the Bangalore Hotel Association and other petitioners in the Karnataka High Court. The HC initially stayed the government's notification on December 9, and the stay was recalled within hours. 

The Karnataka Women's Well-being Leave Bill, 2025, is being proposed to back the menstrual leave policy by the state government. The bill applies to working professionals as well as students.

According to Hindustan Times, the Bill proposes two days of menstruation leave per month for female students in educational institutions (cap of 12 days per year), and a 2% relaxation in attendance.

The leave is also for ASHA, anganwadi, midday meal personnel, transgenders, and those working in mines. Employees who do not wish to avail the leave can work from home.

Different viewpoints emerged while talking to working professionals and students in Bengaluru about the Menstrual Leave policy and Women's Wellbeing Leave Bill, and its effect if implemented.

Educational institutes and female students

Lauding the menstrual leave policy, Kruthika and Gagana, students of a private college, said that this leave is very much needed.

Hemalatha Reddy, Principal at New Carmel School, Hegganahalli, believes that it is a good policy, but if two days' leave is given to menstruating girls in school, they will lag in completing the curriculum. According to her, one day would be fine. 

Yashaswini, a class 12 student at the Government PU College, Peenya, was unaware of the policy, and on being told about it, her eyes gleamed. Yet, she said that a full day would be too much for a leave during menstruation; just half a day is enough.

Another student, who requested to remain anonymous, agreed with Yashaswini. "If we go to school, our minds will be diverted, and we will forget about the period pain."

Working professionals

Shashikala, who works as a Quality Checker at a factory in Peenya Industrial Area, says it is a good policy, but for small companies that are at a loss, this policy would add more to their woes. 

For Nirmala, who works in the same industry and was a bit hesitant to speak, paid menstrual leave should be given, but it all depends on the owner of the company.

Puspha, a textile industry worker in  Andrahalli, says that menstrual leave is necessary, but she personally wouldn’t mind if it isn’t granted, as her workplace already provides very few leaves to employees.

Jyoti, who works in a garment company in Hegganahalli, believes that one day rest is essential during menstruation; besides, if they are at home, they can look after their children, who are mostly neglected.

Meanwhile, Anushree, a staffer at a retail store, remarked, "Rest is essential during those days, as there is stomach pain and difficulty in working and weakness in the body."

Arun, Manager at the same retail store, says, "Women Employees are like our sisters. As it is, when female employees have any personal problems, we send them home. We encourage ladies, so giving this leave is no problem."

Employees from MNCs

A spokesperson for a multinational company, on the basis of anonymity, said that monthly paid menstrual leave would be a financial strain for employers.

"As it is, employees are given many of the best possible facilities, like uniforms, subsidised meals, medical, provident funds, gifts on festivals, etc. The rent of the premises is high. Bank interest rates and other procedures are already a heavy burden on employers in this competitive market," he said.

He added, "If this policy is implemented in such companies, the intake of women would be reduced considerably, and women would thereby be forced into malpractices for their livelihood."

Affect on Mental Well- being of Women

Dr Sweta Sheth, Bengaluru-based psychiatrist, comments that this policy is definitely a step in the right direction. The secrecy and shame surrounding menstruation have meant that many women have to endure pain and discomfort in silence at the workplace.

Having a dedicated leave for menstruation will ease the burden of the pain for a lot of women. It will reduce stress and anxiety for women experiencing period pain by validating their health needs and fostering supportive workplaces.

Acknowledging menstrual pain as a legitimate health issue reduces stigma and makes women feel understood and valued. Wavering away the need for a medical certificate promotes privacy and reduces the burden of disclosure.

Failure to implement a menstruation leave policy means that women will have to continue suffer menstruation related health issues in silence.

Lack of dedicated menstrual leave gives rise to absenteeism, or the opposite can occur, with women showing up to work even in pain or distress. 

Absence of a menstrual leave policy could lead to a lack of workplace equity, forcing women to hide health struggles or risk career progression, violating their rights to health and dignity.

Authored by Komal Nadig, a Bengaluru-based freelance journalist.
Views expressed by the author are their own.