Bengaluru, October 9, 2025 — Karnataka has become the first state in India to introduce 12 annual menstrual leaves for women employees across both government and private sectors — a move hailed as a significant step toward workplace inclusivity, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The state government announced that women working in government offices, garment factories, IT firms, multinational companies, and other private organizations will be entitled to one paid menstrual leave per month, totaling 12 leaves annually.
Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad described the policy as a “progressive law” aimed at safeguarding women’s health and fostering supportive workplaces.
“We have approved menstrual leaves for women. It is the most progressive new law that we have brought. Women can take as many as 12 sanctioned leaves in a year — once a month or all at once, whatever they choose as per their menstrual cycle,” Lad told reporters. “It will be applicable across all sectors — both government and private,” he added, emphasizing the state’s commitment to implementation.
The policy sets Karnataka apart from other states. Bihar and Odisha currently offer 12 days of annual menstrual leave, but these apply only to state government employees. Kerala, meanwhile, allows two days of menstrual leave for female trainees at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Officials said the initiative underscores the government’s focus on women’s well-being and equitable work conditions.
“It is a feather in the cap of a progressive government which thinks for the welfare of women,” Lad said.
No specific timeline for implementation was provided, but the minister assured that the state is committed to ensuring compliance across all sectors.
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Full name
Tahir Rihat
Also known as
Tahir Bilal
Date of Birth
02 January 1999
Occupation
Journalist; Online Editor
Employer
The Chenab Times
Base
Thathri, Doda, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Website
tahirrihat.com
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Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an Indian journalist and online editor at The Chenab Times. Based in Thathri, Doda, he reports on regional affairs, civic governance, and human-interest stories across Jammu and Kashmir. Rihat also maintains a personal website, tahirrihat.com, where he shares professional updates and reflections on journalism in the Chenab Valley.
