The Karnataka government is seeking public opinion on a proposal to grant women workers six days of paid menstrual leave per year. This initiative aims to improve the well-being of women in various sectors, including factories, garment industries, multinational companies, and the IT sector, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and morale.
Menstrual leave is a topic of ongoing debate in India. While some argue it empowers women and supports their health, others raise concerns about potential workplace discrimination or operational difficulties. The Karnataka government’s proposal seeks a balanced approach by offering a limited number of paid leave days while ensuring women’s well-being during menstruation.
An expert committee headed by Professor Sapna Mohan, HOD of the School of Law at Christ University, was formed to discuss and recommend a policy on menstrual leave. The committee comprised representatives from the labor department, doctors, business owners, worker unions, professors, and social workers. After extensive discussions, they proposed granting six days of leave to be used during menstrual periods.
Seeking Diverse Opinions
Before finalizing the proposal, the government is actively seeking feedback from various stakeholders:
- Women’s organizations: Their insights on the challenges faced by women during menstruation and the potential impact of the leave policy.
- Labor representatives: Their perspective on the feasibility of implementing the leave program within workplaces.
- Management: Their views on the potential impact on productivity and operational costs.
- Public: Opinions on the policy itself and potential concerns.
All interested parties can submit their views by:
- Email: dlcbangalore@gmail.com
- Written Communication: Commissioner of Labour, Labor Bhawan, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-560029
The deadline for submitting feedback is within November 29, 2024.
