Explained | Is Karnataka's paid menstrual leave policy a leap towards equality or a source of new biases?
Published on: Oct. 23, 2025, 10:43 p.m. | Source: THE WEEK
The Karnataka government's recent decision to grant one day of paid menstrual leave monthly has ignited a national debate on its implications for equality and potential biases in the workplace. This article explores both perspectives, featuring personal accounts from women like Kulsoom Faiz, who suffer debilitating pain from conditions like endometriosis and advocate for humane workplace accommodations. It details Karnataka's pioneering policy, which extends benefits across public and private sectors—a first in India—and compares it with existing policies in other Indian states and globally. Expert opinions are highlighted: Rituparna Chatterjee emphasizes the economic necessity and welfare aspect of menstrual leave, while critics like Vineeta Yadav and Barkha Dutt express concerns about potential hiring discrimination and suggest broader workplace flexibility as an alternative. Gynaecologist Dr. Swati Rai points out that a single day's leave may be insufficient for severe conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, advocating for comprehensive medical support, awareness, and inclusive workplace facilities alongside leave policies to truly support women's health and productivity.
