Karnataka on Thursday joined the list of states offering menstrual leave after the Cabinet approved a policy applicable to all government offices as well as multinational companies and industries including information technology and textiles, among others. As per the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, women will get one day’s paid leave during their menstrual cycle. Responding to a question, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the objective of the policy was to ensure the welfare of women. "Since it is useful and has been successful (in other states), we have also adopted this leave policy," he said. Other states that have a menstrual leave policy include Kerala, Odisha, and Bihar. A few private firms operating in Karnataka have already implemented a similar policy. A note issued on the policy said the state government has recognised the importance of menstrual health and considers "it as a fundamental part of women's rights and workplace welfare”. "The policy is an active step towards creating a conducive atmosphere for women to prioritise their health without considering it (menstruation) as a taboo or fearing consequences over the same," it said. The Cabinet also approved Rs 2,000 crore for the Public Works Department for the reconstruction and restoration of 39 bridges identified by a report of the Planning and Road Assets Management Centre. Of the funds, Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on the reconstruction of large bridges considered as a priority in the report. The rest of the funds will be used to restore small bridges apart from the construction of similar bridges lost due to flooding in various parts of the state. For the construction of a 150-seat medical college at Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district, the Government approved Rs 550 crore. The funds will be used for the construction of the college building, hostel, and other infrastructure for the institution.
