Relevance: GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice; Source: The Hindu, PIB

Context / Why in News

The Government of Karnataka has approved a landmark Menstrual Leave Policy, granting one paid day of leave per month (up to 12 days annually) for all working women in both government and private sectors, including IT, garment, and service industries.

This makes Karnataka the first Indian state to extend such benefits to women employees across sectors.

Concept / Core Idea

The policy acknowledges menstrual health as an essential aspect of women’s workplace well-being. It aims to normalise conversations around menstruation and recognise the physiological challenges such as cramps, fatigue, and discomfort that affect productivity during periods.

Key Features of the Policy

• Coverage: Applicable to women in both public and organised private sectors.
  
• Entitlement: One paid leave per month (maximum 12 per year).
  
• Objective: Promote gender-sensitive workplaces and employee welfare.
  
• Implementation: To be formalised through official notification by the Department of Women and Child Development.
  

Conceptual Significance

• Gender Equity at Work: Reinforces women’s right to health and dignity at the workplace.
  
• Inclusivity in Labour Policies: Moves beyond maternity benefits to address menstrual health — a first in India’s labour policy framework.
  
• Public Health Perspective: Menstrual pain is recognised by WHO as a genuine health concern affecting work participation.
  
• Ethical and Economic Balance: Encourages retention and well-being of women employees without reducing their workforce participation.
  

Policy Linkages and Global Relevance

• Constitutional Backing: Reflects Article 42 of the Directive Principles — ensuring “just and humane conditions of work.”
  
• SDG Alignment:
  
  • SDG 5 – Gender Equality
    
  • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
    
• Similar global practices exist in Japan, Spain, Indonesia, and South Korea, recognising menstrual health in labour policies.
  

One-line Wrap:
Karnataka’s menstrual leave policy is a progressive step towards ensuring women’s health, equality, and dignity in India’s workplaces.