Bengaluru, Oct 22 (NationPress) The Karnataka Congress has formally appealed to the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to advocate for the Central government to introduce menstrual leave for all women employees within Central Government agencies, mirroring the initiative taken by the Congress-led state government. This move is aimed at fostering gender equality and establishing a more supportive work atmosphere for women.

Senior party figure Ramesh Babu, associated with the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and the head of its Media and Communications Department, has penned a letter to LoP Gandhi regarding this matter on Wednesday.

In the letter, he expressed, "I extend my heartfelt greetings and sincere gratitude for your unwavering dedication to championing progressive and citizen-focused policies that advocate for equality, dignity, and the welfare of every individual, particularly women and working professionals throughout India.

"The recent initiative by the Karnataka State Government to offer one day of menstrual leave each month to all working women signifies a major advancement in acknowledging women’s health and workplace dignity. This forward-thinking policy recognizes a natural biological necessity and is in line with the values of compassion, gender sensitivity, and inclusivity in governance."

Currently, there are no circulars or regulations from the Central government in India that mandate menstrual leave for employees.

A specific request for such leave would be processed under the existing framework of the Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules 1972.

In response to an Un-Starred Question in the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2023, the Central government remarked that menstruation is a normal physiological occurrence and that only a small percentage of women/girls experience severe dysmenorrhea or related issues, most of which can be managed with medication.

Ramesh Babu noted that the Central government is not inclined to support the idea of menstrual leave for women.

"In light of this, I respectfully ask you to encourage the Central government to contemplate implementing a comparable menstrual leave policy for all women employed in Central Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings, central educational institutions, aided institutions, and the cooperative sector," he mentioned.

"Such a nationwide policy would not only advance gender equality but also cultivate a supportive work environment for women; recognize menstrual health as a vital aspect of workplace well-being; motivate the private sector and other state governments to embrace similar compassionate policies, and demonstrate India’s commitment to progressive labor and gender-sensitive reforms," emphasized Ramesh Babu.

The Karnataka Government's initiative sets a remarkable example. Extending this reform to the national level would benefit countless women working for the Central Government and convey a powerful message regarding India’s dedication to gender justice and inclusive governance, he added.

"Therefore, I kindly request your leadership in bringing this issue to light in Parliament and urging the Central Government to adopt and implement a one-day menstrual leave policy for all women employees across the nation," Ramesh Babu concluded in his letter to LoP Gandhi.