Bengaluru
The government has officially issued an order granting menstrual leave to women employees across all sectors, including government, aided, and private institutions. Under the directive, women are entitled to one paid day off per month, totaling 12 days per year, specifically for menstrual reasons. The decision follows a recent cabinet approval, and the Labour Department has now issued formal instructions to implement the leave.
The order specifies two key conditions:
- Women employees must use their menstrual leave within the respective month it is due. Carrying forward leave from a previous month to the next is not allowed.
- No medical certificate is required for availing menstrual leave.
The leave is mandatory for all women employees aged 18 to 52 years. This progressive step aims to recognize and support the health and well-being of women in workplaces, ensuring that they can manage their menstrual cycles without having to compromise on work or productivity.
Institutions have been instructed to comply strictly with the order and facilitate smooth implementation. Officials emphasized that this move promotes gender-sensitive policies and creates a more inclusive work environment, recognizing the biological needs of women employees. By providing paid menstrual leave, the government hopes to improve employee satisfaction, health, and overall workplace efficiency while setting a precedent for other states and private employers to follow.
