The Karnataka Education Department has issued a circular formalising menstrual leave for women government employees, reinforcing the state’s broader workplace well-being initiatives. The directive was released on Thursday, 29 January, and signed by the Commissioner of the School Education Department.
The move follows a government order issued in November 2025, which introduced 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year for women across government and private establishments in Karnataka. The policy allows one paid day off per month for women employees aged 18 to 52 and applies to workplaces governed by various labour laws, making Karnataka one of the few states with a comprehensive menstrual leave framework.
The Education Department clarified that the leave is intended to support women’s health, morale, and work efficiency. Employees may avail one paid day off during their menstrual cycle each month, totaling 12 days annually. Unused leave cannot be carried forward, and no medical certificate is required for availing the leave.
Eligibility is limited to menstruating women within the specified age range. The authority responsible for approving casual leave is also empowered to approve menstrual leave, which must be recorded separately in attendance and leave registers and cannot be combined with other types of leave.
The circular outlines procedural responsibilities, requiring employees to inform section officers about urgent official or court-related matters to ensure continuity of work. Applications are to be submitted to the competent authority following existing processes.
The department directed that the policy be implemented immediately, making menstrual leave formally operational for eligible women employees across Karnataka’s departmental offices.
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