Women’s organisations, trade unions and the general public have been asked to provide their feedback on the six-day menstrual leave policy that Karnataka’s labour department has proposed. The stakeholders have been asked to express their opinions within a month.
The trade unions reportedly had sought one day off every month as menstrual leave—as is normally followed internationally—which makes more sense since menstruation happens every month. They see no sense in the six-day leave policy.
In September, an 18-member committee, chaired by Sapna Mohan, a law professor from Christ University, had submitted its findings to the Karnataka Labour Minister. The minister indicated that the proposed policy aims to bolster women’s workforce participation, which remains relatively low. In consultation with various stakeholders, the committee had recommended six days of paid menstrual leave every year and also proposed that a Bill be passed on the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products.
Now, the Labour Department of Karnataka wants to hear what the stakeholders have to say about the policy. The policy will be applicable to women in both government and private sectors, with officials aiming to establish a legal framework to ensure its effective implementation. While supporters have argued that menstrual leave is essential for fostering a supportive work environment, critics have been raising concerns that such policies could deter employers from hiring women. Former Union Minister Smriti Irani had even commented that menstrual leave may inadvertently end up menstruation as a disadvantage, especially when it comes to hiring women.
Bihar, Odisha and Kerala already have menstrual leave policies in place.
