The Government of Karnataka has issued an order granting one day of paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged 18 to 52 years.
The order applies to all permanent, contract and outsourced women employees working in industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Labour Act, 1951; Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.
As per the order, eligible women employees will be entitled to 12 days of paid leave annually, availed as one day per month during their menstrual cycle. No medical certificate is required to avail this leave, and it must be utilized within the respective month.
Kaveri T., Labour Officer of Kodagu Sub-Division, stated that the initiative aims to improve the health, efficiency and morale of women employees.
