The Karnataka Government has approved the Periods Leave Policy 2025 thereby granting all the female employees in the state, irrespective of the sector, one paid menstrual leave each month¹. With this move, Karnataka becomes the first state to have such a policy covering the private sector as well².

What Does It Mean
The Karnataka Government’s policy move marks a progressive step in affirming that women’s well-being is central to the state’s development. It sets an important precedent by extending its applicability to the private sector as well.

With the rapid expansion of the private sector, it is no longer adequate for human rights–related policies to apply only to government employees. This policy effectively lays the groundwork for other States to follow suit.
In the coming years, it will be crucial to observe how effectively the policy translates into action on the ground. The State must also ensure that it does not inadvertently lead to hiring discrimination against women in the private sector.

However, one aspect worth noting – with a pinch of salt (or exclusion) – is that the policy currently applies only to women. As per reports so far, transgender persons remain excluded under the conventional definition of ‘women’.