Karnataka considers six-days-a-year paid period leave plan for public and private employees

Karnataka is looking at a proposal to implement six days of paid menstrual leave a year for women in both private and public sectors. The draft Bill, christened ‘The Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products,’ aims to improve work-life balance for women by addressing the physical and emotional challenges they face during menstruation, and will be worked on by a government-appointed committee.

“We are reviewing the proposal and have scheduled a meeting with the committee members. This initiative aims to support the female workforce, as women face significant physical and emotional fluctuations throughout their lives. The leave will be flexible, allowing women to choose when they need time off,” Labour Minister Santosh Lad explained.

If passed, Karnataka will be the fourth state to offer menstrual leave after Bihar, Kerala, and Odisha. The state has established an 18-member committee to draft the bill, focusing on the well-being of working women.

“It’s not just about being progressive. Women face many challenges, especially after marriage or when they have children. There are many factors to consider,” Lad adds.

This is not the first time period leave has been proposed. In December 2023, former Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani opposed a similar plan in Parliament, stating that menstruation is a natural process and should not be treated as a disability requiring special leave. Irani expressed concerns that such policies might create barriers to equal opportunities for women.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court encouraged both the Centre and state governments to consider menstrual leave policies for female students and working women.

The proposal has largely been met with support women professionals and students in Karnataka.

Annette Sayani, associate director of corporate communications at a private organisation, called it a “bold step in redefining workplace norms,” adding that it fosters an inclusive culture focused on well-being and progressive thinking.

Muskaan Mirani, a student, described the initiative as a “great move” that acknowledges the challenges women face during menstruation. “This fosters a more inclusive environment and empowers women to prioritize their well-being without fear of stigma,” she told Times of India.

Nayanika Chatterjee, a tech professional from Bellandur, believes that the six-day allocation may not be enough. Chatterjee said that while the policy is progressive, six days annually may fall short for women who experience menstruation every month. She highlighted that many women currently use their planned leave for menstrual discomfort, which she called “unfair.”

Amruta Ayapilla, an associate working near the city's Old Airport, shared a similar concern, suggesting that if more days cannot be allocated, the government could increase overall annual leave or provide a smaller allowance each month.

On the other hand, Malini Parmar, co-founder of Stonesoup, disagreed with the proposal, questioning the rationale behind the number of leave days. “Less than 30% of women experience dysmenorrhea, and it happens for 12-24 days in a year. Associating periods with pain is a disservice,” Parmar said, also pointing out that women already face disparities in pay and promotion.