Karnataka Greenlights One-Day Menstrual Leave for Women Across All Sectors

Bengaluru: In a major decision, the Karnataka government has approved a policy to grant one day of menstrual leave each month to women workers. The new rule will apply across all sectors, from garment factories to Information Technology (IT) companies.

The announcement was made by State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, H. K. Patil, following a cabinet meeting on Thursday. “The cabinet today approved at least one day leave for working women in various sectors,” he told reporters.

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Besides this landmark decision, the cabinet also gave its approval to several other key proposals aimed at developing the state.

Key Highlights from the Cabinet Meeting:

• Infrastructure and Safety: A significant investment in public infrastructure was approved, with ₹1,000 crore set aside for rebuilding 39 key bridges in the first phase. To improve safety in cities, the government will purchase a new ₹16 crore Aerial Ladder Platform Vehicle for the Fire and Emergency Services, which can reach heights of up to 54 metres.
• Labour and Urban Development: For workers’ welfare, the cabinet cleared an amendment to the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund Bill, which will increase financial support for organised workers and their families. In urban development, the Aurad Town Panchayat in Bidar district will be upgraded to a City Municipal Council.
• Education: The education sector received a major boost with the approval of a new government medical college in Kanakapura. The ₹550 crore project will have an intake of 150 students annually and will be funded by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Additionally, funds were approved for renovating the CPC Polytechnic in Mysuru (₹70 crore) and upgrading the Chintamani Polytechnic (₹50 crore).
• Tourism and Land Development: A new eco-tourism and cultural project will be developed at the Devikarani Estate in Bengaluru with an initial investment of ₹55.33 crore. The cabinet also approved the development of a Commercial Office Tech Park in Mangaluru through a public-private partnership model.