Menstrual leave policy at national level keeping interest of women in mind would be welcome: Karnataka’s Labour Minister Santosh Lad

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A day after the Supreme Court expressed apprehensions that a law making paid menstrual leave compulsory may damage the careers of young women and deprive them of equal opportunities, Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad said that he had taken note of the observations made by the court on the matter, and batted for a national level policy on the matter after wide consultations.

Karnataka’s Bill

Karnataka ushered in the Menstrual Leave Policy in November 2025, applicable to women aged between 18 and 52. The Government Order (GO) that followed granted one-day menstrual leave a month for women in the private sector and in government employment. To make the policy legally stronger, the Karnataka Women Well Being Leave Bill, 2025, was drafted. However, while the Bill is yet to be tabled in the Legislature, the GO has been questioned in the Karnataka High Court.

Mr. Lad, responding to the apex court observations on Saturday, said, “As the court has pointed out, granting four to five days of leave and implementing it through legislation may not be practically feasible. At the same time, it is encouraging that the court has appreciated the policy introduced by our State government, which provides one day of paid leave every month for women employees in both government and private institutions.”

Extensive consultations

Mr. Lad noted that the State government had undertaken extensive consultations before introducing the policy and framing the Bill. According to him, discussions were held with a wide range of stakeholders, including experts, employers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, doctors and senior officials.

“After carefully examining the merits and challenges involved, we have brought in what we believe is an appropriate and balanced policy,” Mr. Lad said.

The Minister further said, “If a suitable menstrual leave policy is formulated at the national level after gathering views from all concerned, and keeping the interests of women across the country in mind, it would certainly be welcome.”