A day after the Karnataka Cabinet’s landmark decision to approve the Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy-2025 that will ensure one day’s paid leave in a month across government and private sectors, many women workers welcomed the move.
With this decision, Karnataka becomes the first State to cover both the government and private sectors in its menstrual leave policy. Odisha and Bihar have a policy for government employees while Kerala has implemented the policy in universities.
Gargi M., who works with a semiconductor firm in the city, said that while their work may not involve physical labour, women still need rest during menstruation. She added that the option of working from home does not necessarily help in such situations, and therefore, the policy approval is welcome.
Speaking to The Hindu, Uma Reddy, president of FKCCI, appreciated the policy from a gender equity perspective noting that as a woman, she would deem it a welcoming move, and an achievement for Karnataka for taking a lead. However, looking at it from the small and medium enterprises (SME) perspective, she said it raises questions about who is going to take up that extra one day work every month. “SMEs are already going through challenges, and this may further create a situation where women might not be preferred to be hired,” Ms. Reddy feared.
