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New Delhi/Bengaluru, Oct 10 (IANS) The All India Mahila Congress on Friday said it welcomed and appreciated the Karnataka government’s progressive decision to grant per month paid leave to women employees during menstruation in the state.
This historic step reflects a sensitive and inclusive approach towards women’s health and workplace equality.
Issuing an official statement, All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba said, “Menstrual health has long been an overlooked aspect of gender-sensitive policymaking. By acknowledging the biological realities faced by women, the Karnataka government has set a powerful precedent for gender justice and workplace dignity. This initiative goes beyond wellness, it is a recognition of rights, compassion and equality.”
“All India Mahila Congress strongly believes that true empowerment begins when policy reflects empathy. We appeal to all other state governments and Chief Ministers across the country to adopt similar measures to ensure that every working woman in the public and private sectors is treated with fairness and dignity,” Lamba said.
“This decision aligns with our continued Congress-led efforts to promote women’s health, dignity and economic independence. We hope this step opens the door to broader discussions on gender equality, health access and workplace inclusion across India,” she said.
The Congress-led government in Karnataka on Thursday approved a proposal to grant one day of menstrual leave every month to women employees.
Speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru after the cabinet meeting, state Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil announced the decision.
The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Minister Patil said that menstrual leave will be applicable in government offices, textile factories, multinational companies, IT firms and private industrial areas across the state.
He said that the Cabinet has approved the menstrual leave policy.
State Labor Minister Santosh Lad said, “We have been working for the last one year to implement the rule of granting menstrual leave. Women carry many responsibilities. Along with household work, they also take care of children. During menstruation, they experience both physical and mental stress. Therefore, we formed a committee to consider granting menstrual leave. The committee had recommended six days of leave annually. The state government has now given 12 days of leave per year. Have decided to take leave.”
–IANS
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