Odisha social activist Ranjeeta Priyadarshini had proposed menstrual leave for working women: Santosh Lad

Labour Minister Santosh Lad on Friday (October 10, 2025) said the Karnataka government took a unanimous decision on the 12-day paid menstrual leave a year to women following a proposal in this regard by social activist Ranjeeta Priyadarshini from Odisha.

Speaking to reporters at Udupi, Mr. Lad said the activist, who was campaigning for paid menstrual leave for women, had met him a year ago and given a proposal in this regard. The decision by the government would go a long way in women’s welfare and empowerment, particularly those from poor and middle classes. Women working in garment and other small industries would stand to benefit from the measure.

The Minister said the government had constituted a committee to study the proposal in the light of many working women suffering from menstrual issues. Having collected public feedback from across the State, the decision was made, he said adding a working woman could avail a one day paid leave every month under this scheme.

Cabinet reshuffle?

Speaking about the rumored cabinet expansion, Mr. Lad said expansion was the prerogative of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. The Chief Minister holds dinner meeting regularly and no special significance could be attached to it.

Regarding the continued raid on Congress MLA for Chitradurga K.C. Veerendra by the Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Lad said the MLA had not given any funds for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly polls. “I am not aware whether he would fund or not; but he has the capacity definitely,” the Minister added.

Alleging double standards by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Lad said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was allegedly involved in a ₹60,000 crore scam. Similarly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswar Sarma was facing corruption charges. “However, when both aligned with the BJP/ NDA, they become clean,” Mr. Lad quipped.

The BJP, Mr. Lad charged, had similarly ‘purified’ more than 25 politicians so far across the country.