Expanding the scope of labour and student well being following recent labour reforms, Karnataka government has readied the Karnataka Women Wellbeing Leave Bill 2025 a first of its kind legislation on the subject.
The proposed bill provides menstrual leave not only for working women in the formal sector but also for menstruating students in educational institutions, transgenders, ASHAs, anganwadi, and midday meal personnel, and those working in mines.
The Karnataka Women Wellbeing Leave Bill marks itself as the first legislation in the country that not only expands the scope those eligible for leave, but also proposes setting up Karnataka Women Well Being Authority.
An earlier Government Order had covered the private sector, and last week the government brought its workers under its ambit. The bill also seeks to do away with restrictions related to age that had been listed earlier. The draft does not mention any lower limit for the age of eligible persons but caps the upper limit at 52 or till menopause.
What exact benefits are offered by the bill?
While the working women will get one day leave per month, the menstrual leave for students is capped at two days in a month and will be supported by a 2% relaxation in overall attendance requirements for menstruating students in schools, colleges and universities (both government and private).
According to a report by the Deccan Herald, the Bill is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of the Legislature in Belagavi.
WFH provisions
As per the proposed bill, if the employee does not choose to avail of the leave, they will be entitled for work from home if the facility is available. Not mandating a doctor’s certificate, the leave can be availed through a request on e-mail.
The proposed Bill is likely to be cleared in the Cabinet on December 11, following which it will be introduced in the legislature. According to a report by The Hindu, the upcoming bill is set to be the most comprehensive legislation proposed in the country so far.
The Bill proposes to institute the Karnataka Women Wellbeing Authority to carry out purposes of the Bill. The Karnataka Commission for Women will be headed by former civil servants. Two women activists which would be nominated by a political body. will also be a part of it. The authority should meet once in three months and redress grievances of menstruating persons.
Penalty clause
A penalty of upto ₹5,000 for each contravention of the provision has been proposed for those who deny menstrual leave, ill treat or discriminate against menstruating individuals.