Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bengaluru, Oct 22 (IANS) Karnataka Congress has requested Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to urge the Central government to implement menstrual leave for all women employees in central government institutions on the lines of the Congress-led government in the state to promote gender equality and create a supportive work environment for women.
Senior party leader Ramesh Babu, associated with the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and head of its media and communication department, has written a letter to LOP Gandhi in this regard on Wednesday.
“I express my heartfelt respect and deep appreciation for your continued commitment to progressive and people-centric policies that promote the equality, dignity and welfare of every citizen, especially women and working professionals across India,” the letter said.
“The recent decision of the Karnataka State Government to grant one day monthly leave every month to all working women employees is an important step in recognizing women’s health and dignity in the workplace. This progressive policy acknowledges a natural biological need and aligns with the principles of compassion, gender sensitivity and inclusivity in governance.”
There is no central government circular or rule making menstrual leave mandatory for employees in India.
A specific request for such leave will be addressed through the existing framework of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules 1972.
The Central Government, in reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on 24-03-2023, said that menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon and only a few women/girls suffer from severe dysmenorrhea or similar complaints and most of these cases can be controlled by medicine.
Ramesh Babu said that the Central Government is not in favor of considering menstrual leave for women.
“In this context, I humbly request you to urge the Central Government to consider implementing a uniform menstrual leave policy for all women employees in Central Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Central Educational Institutions, Aided Institutions and Co-operative Sector,” he said.
“Such a policy, if implemented across the country, will promote gender equality and create a supportive work environment for women; acknowledge menstrual health as an essential component of workplace wellness; encourage the private sector and other state governments to adopt similar compassionate measures and reflect India’s commitment to progressive labor and gender-sensitive reforms,” Ramesh Babu highlighted.
The initiative of the Karnataka government sets an inspiring example. She said expanding this reform nationally would benefit millions of women working under the central government and send a strong message about India’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive governance.
“I therefore request your kind leadership to raise this issue in Parliament and urge the Central Government to adopt and implement a one-day menstrual leave policy for all women employees across the country,” Ramesh Babu said in his letter to LOP Gandhi.
–IANS
MKA/Work