Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced that the state government will officially declare September 13 as Women Employees’ Day to honour the contributions of women in the government workforce.
Speaking at a women’s conference organised by the All Karnataka State Government Women Employees’ Association in Bengaluru, he also confirmed that the government will grant one day of paid menstrual leave per month to all women employees.
The Chief Minister said discussions were held with the Minister for Women and Child Welfare to allot space at Bal Bhavan for the association’s office and related activities. He reiterated that the formal declaration of Women Employees’ Day will be issued soon.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the vital role women play across government sectors, noting that they serve “on par with men” and are essential to the functioning of the administration. He said the government is committed to eliminating gender discrimination and ensuring equality in the workplace.
Reflecting on historic barriers to women’s education, he said the Constitution guaranteed equal rights and access to education—leading to the nation’s literacy rate rising from 10–12% at Independence to nearly 78% today.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for women to cultivate scientific temper, reject superstitions and blind beliefs, and instill rational thinking in children. These values, he said, are essential to building a “healthy, equal, and progressive society” and are aligned with Constitutional principles.
Siddaramaiah noted that since he took office, all schools and colleges have been instructed to read the Preamble of the Constitution. He emphasised that education should dismantle caste discrimination and unite diverse communities.
He said empowering women socially and economically remains a core government agenda. More than 3.5 crore women have benefited from free bus travel under the Shakti scheme, which he said boosts household savings used for children’s education and other needs.
He also pointed out that the government has implemented the Sixth and Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Siddaramaiah said true freedom can be realised only when women are fully empowered.