BWSSB to launch ‘Annapoorna Scheme’ providing smart cards for sanitation workers’ breakfast
Bengaluru (PTI): The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) says its upcoming 'Annapoorna Scheme' is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country aimed at ensuring "healthy and dignified mornings" for sanitation workers.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will launch the scheme on September 1 by distributing smart cards to the workers.
BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said the initiative combines technology with compassion, making "Bengaluru the first city to provide direct financial assistance for daily breakfast to sanitation workers."
Under the scheme, more than 700 BWSSB sanitation workers will receive a smart card powered by Axis Bank, with Rs 1,500 credited every month. The card can be used at food outlets of their choice, allowing workers the dignity of choosing their own healthy breakfast, the board said in a release on Sunday.
"This is our way of saluting the relentless efforts of those who keep our city clean. We want every worker to begin the day with good health, nutrition, and respect," Manohar added.
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Karnataka govt to strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy, after HC directive
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that the government will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy across all sectors at the earliest, following the High Court directive.
The High Court of Karnataka had recently directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully" implement the menstrual leave policy, pending formal enactment of the proposed legislation.
"I welcome the directive issued by the Karnataka High Court in support of our state government's ambitious menstrual leave policy," Lad said.
The state government has taken firm steps to implement the menstrual leave policy comprehensively, and as a model to the country, he said in a post on 'X' on Thursday.
"In line with the court's opinion that menstrual leave is a matter of women's dignity, justice, and humane recognition of their lived realities, we will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy--equivalent to one day per month, or 12 days per year--across all sectors at the earliest," he added.
The court had said that in the interregnum, it shall be incumbent upon the state to ensure effective operationalisation of the policy through the issuance of suitable guidelines, circulars, and administrative instructions, as may be necessary to secure its uniform, consistent, and rigorous implementation across all sectors.
The court issued the directive while hearing on a petition filed by 41-year-old Chandravva Hanumant Gokavi, who works in a hotel in Mudalgi of Gokak taluk in Belagavi district, before the Dharwad bench, seeking implementation of the November 20, 2025, order of the government providing one-day menstrual leave for all working women.
