Companies must give menstrual leave to women employees, says Minister Santosh Lad
Bengaluru: Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that all companies must provide menstrual leave to women employees, and the state government will soon frame rules to ensure compliance. He clarified that once the government enacts the law, companies will be legally bound to implement it.
Speaking at a press conference at his official residence in Bengaluru on Saturday, following the recent cabinet approval for introducing a menstrual leave policy, the minister said, “Everyone must follow the law once it is made. Companies should not look at this as just a rule but also from a humanitarian point of view. We will hold further discussions and consultations before implementing the policy.”
When asked whether companies might hesitate to hire more women employees due to the new leave requirement, Lad responded, “Let’s implement it first and then see how it works out. In fact, several companies are already following such policies voluntarily.”
He said the government plans to either introduce a bill in the Legislative Assembly or issue an ordinance to bring the menstrual leave policy into effect. “Companies should have the sensitivity and common sense to understand why this leave is important. It’s about respecting women’s health needs,” he added.
Explaining the rationale, Lad said, “Companies must understand the issues faced by women. If we receive complaints about excessive leave being granted, we will review and decide what needs to be done. Women play a major role in society and at home. They manage households and also work outside, often under mental stress. Especially for middle-class working women, a single day of leave can help them return to work with greater focus and energy.”
Dr. Sapna, Associate Dean at Christ University and chairperson of the committee that studied the proposal, said the team had conducted extensive research before making recommendations. “We examined all relevant parameters carefully before submitting our report,” she said.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
