Bengaluru female employees can now avail one menstrual leave each month, NO medical proof required

Bengaluru: In a good news for female employees working in Bengaluru, they will now be able to take a day off during their menstrual cycle. With an aim to make the workplace healthier for all, the Karnataka government passed an order on Wednesday stating that one day of paid menstrual leave per month will be issued to all working women.

The rule applies to all women employees between 18 and 52 years of age, working in permanent, outsourced, and contractual roles. The Karnataka government had passed the Menstrual Leave Policy in October and with this, the state has become the first in India to implement this rule.

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The Karnataka government order read, "The concerned employers are directed to provide the facility of 12 days paid leave per annum -- one day per month -- during their menstrual cycle to all permanent/contract/outsourced female employees, between the age group of 18 to 52 years."

It further stated, "It is applicable to women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961, with the good intention of enhancing their health, efficiency and performance and enhancing their mental well-being."

The government also stated that women employee are not required to submit any medical proof to avail one menstrual leave each month. The order added that the women employees will have to use one menstrual leave each month and it cannot be carry forwarded to the next month.

The announcement received mixed reactions on the internet. Several hailed the policy while some highlighted loopholes the negative impact it can have on women at workplace. A Reddit user said that the initiative is good but it may make companies think twice before hiring a woman employee. He added that stricter laws were needed regarding this to stop hiring discrimination.

However, another Reddit user replied to the remark and said, “You're assuming that companies have identical male and female candidates interviewing for the same role. No one would give up a good candidate just because of a leave policy. Let's be real: companies would just expect women to work from home during their period leave. That's an improvement in itself.”

Another social media user said called the policy a good decision and added that it is hard to see someone go through intense pain and yet show up at work.