While the Karnataka cabinet approved a menstrual holiday policy that allows women to take 12 paid sheets for a year, some private companies resist the movement and questioning its need. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/Istockphoto
While the decision of Karnataka Cabinet has been very expected to approve one menstrual leave for a month, it also raised concerns about its implementation in the workplaces, and many questions that apply to employees accepting menstrual leave and how the workflow will be maintained without disturbing.
UMESH AH, representative of the Commissioner of Labor, (Region-1), said that the main challenge is the workforce and understanding of who will deal with the work of persons on holiday, especially because the workforce remains limited in government and private sectors.
“The beliefs of private companies to implement paid menstrual leave is also a challenge, as most companies operate in a five -day working week. However, as a society, we can overcome these challenges and carefully consider these aspects to warn policy,” he said.
Private companies resist
While the Karnataka cabinet approved a menstrual holiday policy that allows women to take 12 paid sheets for a year, some private companies resist the movement and questioning its need.
Employers argue that women already have access to earned, occasional and sick leave, along with flexible possibilities of working from home and that other categories could complicate holiday structures and affect productivity.
Other aspects
The Policy Committee also previously called on two rounds of representatives and prominent academics to explain their attitude.
Shuti MP, personnel administration, infosys, pointed out that the giving of 12 menstrual sheets per year causes uneven problems in the workplace. Instead, it is better to give five extra days to women who can only use it on the basis of need. “Starting one day of menstrual leave could prove disadvantageous for women, because there is a possibility to lose job opportunities,” said Mrs. Shruti.
Kathyynini Chamaraj, executive manager, Civic, Bangalore, also expressed reservations and claimed that it would not help agricultural workers who were known to return to work after delivery. “Women are still considered inviolable during their period, and if a woman leaves at the moment, this can cause a revival of practice with her to be inviolable. Menstrual holiday policy can reduce women’s employment, which is already low.
In an interview with Hindu, the main physician representing the clothing industry emphasized operating challenges. She noted that in clothing factories the work is like a relay. “If 50 or 100 women leave the holiday at the same time, the entire factory stops … If a holiday must be given, they must be certified by a gynecologist. Menstrual leave may be abused,” she said.
Members of the Association of Employers in Karnataka and other officials from the Department of Labor also said that five -day sick leave is a practical possibility.
Can be navigated
Sapna S., Associate Dean and Hod, School of Law, Christ (considered) University and President Menstrual Leave Policy Board, said any law, especially a new one, will face implementation problems, but can and should be solved.
“There are concerns for more employees who take holidays, dealt with flexible possibilities and policies in sectors controlled.
Published – 10 October 2025 23:33
