In Bengaluru on December 4, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that September 13 will become the state’s official Women Employees’ Day, celebrating the vital contributions of women in public service. He made the declaration during a women’s conference hosted by the All Karnataka State Government Women Employees’ Association.
Among the highlights was the introduction of one paid day of menstrual leave each month for all women workers, and plans to allocate space at Bal Bhavan for the association’s office and related activities, after discussions with the Minister for Women and Child Welfare.
Siddaramaiah underscored that women serve the government alongside men, playing active roles across every sector, and that the state is committed to eradicating gender discrimination and ensuring equal treatment. He reminded listeners of the past when women were denied education, noting that the Constitution has guaranteed equal rights—including the right to learn—since its enactment.
At independence the country’s literacy rate stood at just 10‑12 percent; today it approaches 78 percent. He stressed that women shape their children’s character and thinking, urging them to foster rational, scientific attitudes and to eliminate superstitions and blind beliefs. Children should be taught these values to build a healthy, equal, and progressive society, he said, emphasizing that the Constitution embodies these principles.
Since taking office, he has mandated that all schools and colleges read the Preamble of the Constitution. He pointed out that society contains many castes and religions, and that children must never be taught caste‑based discrimination. Education should dismantle caste barriers, he added. Even highly educated professionals can harbor superstitions, so it is crucial to shield children from such beliefs and to uphold secular, constitutional values.
The government’s focus is to empower women socially and economically. Siddaramaiah highlighted that 3.5 crore women benefit from free bus travel under the Shakti scheme, which provides social capital by allowing households to save for children’s education and other needs. He also noted that his administration has implemented the recommendations of the Sixth and Seventh Pay Commissions, citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s view that social and economic empowerment of women is essential for the nation to truly enjoy the freedoms the country enjoys. He expressed confidence that these initiatives will further improve government efficiency.
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