Karnataka govt considers six days of paid menstrual leave for women a year

Several private companies like Swiggy and Zomato are already providing menstrual leave to women

2 minutes of reading Last update: Sep 19, 2024 | 16:24 IST

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad announced that the state is currently considering a proposal to provide six days of paid menstrual leave per year to women employed in both the private and public sectors, according to a report Money control.

The report quoted Lada as saying: “We plan to implement the policy and for this purpose we have set up a commission which recommended providing six days of paid menstrual leave per year. We are currently considering this proposal.”

The state government has also appointed an 18-member panel to draft a bill on women’s right to menstrual leave and free access to menstrual hygiene products.

Flexible leave

Lad said the proposed policy will give women the flexibility to decide when to take leave. The initiative aims to support the female workforce as women face different challenges in life and the leave will be flexible to allow women to choose the days they need to rest, he added.

Several private companies like Swiggy and Zomato already provide menstrual leave to female employees. Swiggy offers two days off a month, while Zomato gives 10 days a year. Across the world, countries like Spain, Japan and Indonesia have implemented menstrual leave policies.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court held that both the Central and state governments decide on the policy regarding menstrual leave for female employees and students. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud observed that while such a policy may encourage women to participate in the workforce, it may also discourage employers from hiring women.

Previous legislative efforts include the Menstrual Benefits Bill, introduced by Arunachal Pradesh MP Ninong Ering in 2017, which proposed two days of paid menstrual leave per month. However, the bill has not yet been passed. In December 2023, then Union Minister Smriti Irani opposed a similar demand, arguing that treating menstruation as a special condition could hinder equal opportunities for women.

First published: Sep 19, 2024 | 16:24 IST