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

Labor Minister Santosh Lad on Friday, October 10, 2025, said that the Karnataka government has taken a unanimous decision on 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year for women, following a suggestion by social activist Ranjeeta Priyadarshini from Odisha on this issue.

Speaking to reporters in Udupi, Mr Lad said the activist, who campaigns for paid menstrual leave for women, met him a year ago and made a proposal in this regard. The decision taken by the government will go a long way in the welfare and empowerment of women, especially those from the poor and middle class. Women working in ready-made garments and other small industries are expected to benefit from this measure.

The minister said the government has formed a committee to examine the proposal in light of the many working women experiencing menstrual problems. Stating that the decision was made after collecting public feedback from all over the state, the official said that a working woman can benefit from one day of paid leave every month under this program.

Cabinet reshuffle?

Speaking about rumors of cabinet expansion, Mr. Lad said that expansion is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. The Prime Minister holds regular dinner meetings and this cannot be given special importance.

Regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing raid on Congress MLA for Chitradurga KC Veerendra, Mr. Lad said that the MLA has not given any funds for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. “I don’t know whether he will provide funds or not, but he definitely has the capacity,” the minister added.

Alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party was applying double standards, Mr. Lad said that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was allegedly involved in the ₹60,000 crore scam. Similarly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswar Sarma was also facing corruption charges. “They are clean only when both align with the BJP/NDA,” Mr. Lad quipped.

Mr. Lad claimed that the BJP has so far ‘purified’ more than 25 politicians across the country in a similar manner.