Karnataka Grants Legal Menstrual Leave: No Certificate or Carry-Over Needed

On 20 November 2025, the Karnataka Labour Department issued Government Order No. LD 466 LET 2023, formalising menstrual leave as a statutory entitlement for women aged 18–52. Under this order, every eligible employee is entitled to one paid leave per menstrual cycle, capped at 12 days per year. The leave is self-certified, removing the need for medical proof, and must be used within the same calendar month—unused days cannot be carried forward or encashed.

The policy applies pan-sectorally across factories, IT parks, plantations, motor transport, garment units, and other registered establishments. It covers all women employees, including permanent, contractual, and outsourced staff, ensuring gig and third-party payroll workers are included. Employers are responsible for full wage payment on menstrual leave, which cannot be adjusted against existing earned or privilege leave.

This statutory move follows a consultative process beginning with Notification No. LD 466 LET 2023 in January 2024, which involved medical experts, trade unions, industry representatives, and women’s organisations. Public feedback in October 2025 showed strong support, leading to cabinet approval and the current order.

The leave framework invokes five Central and State labour laws—the Factories Act 1948, Karnataka Shops & Commercial Establishments Act 1961, Plantation Labour Act 1951, Beedi & Cigar Workers Act 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act 1961—ensuring broad legal coverage. Compliance is straightforward: employees notify their intent to take leave, and employers must update payroll and attendance systems accordingly. Non-compliance may result in penalties under the relevant statutes.

Karnataka’s 2025 menstrual leave regime represents a shift from discretionary welfare to statutory employee rights, combining dignity and equity for women with practical enforceability for employers. Successful implementation will require updating policies, payroll systems, and manager awareness to make this entitlement effective in workplaces.