7 months ago
Karnataka Promotes Khadi and Menstrual Leave
The Karnataka government has decided that all its employees must wear khadi clothes on the first Saturday of every month.
This rule starts on April 24.
The government is also giving extra discounts to employees who buy khadi and silk clothes from government stores.
They want to help local artists and make sure people buy these traditional clothes.
There are also plans to open a special canteen where employees can buy daily things at lower prices.
Additionally, the government has introduced 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees to support their health and well-being.
Karnataka government makes khadi attire mandatory for employees on the first Saturday of every month, starting April 24.
Additional 5% discount on khadi products and expanded silk discounts for all state government employees.
Government-run stores encouraged for purchases to directly support artisans.
Proposed 'Government Employees’ Canteen' to provide subsidized daily essentials, to be announced in the 2026–27 budget.
Karnataka mandates 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees aged 18-52.
- Who
- Karnataka government employees, Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC)
- What
- Mandatory khadi attire once a month, additional discounts on khadi and silk products, proposed subsidized canteen, 12 days of menstrual leave annually for women employees
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- When
- Initiative launch on April 24, canteen scheme in 2026–27 budget, menstrual leave applicable from the date of issuance of the government order
- Why
- To promote khadi and silk industries, support local artisans, provide welfare benefits to employees, and enhance the efficiency and performance of women employees
Key facts
- Initiative Launch Date
- April 24
- Khadi Day
- First Saturday of every month
- Additional Discount for Employees
- 5%
- Silk Discount Expansion
- All state government employees
- Proposed Canteen Scheme
- Government Employees’ Canteen (2026–27 budget)
- Menstrual Leave Days
- 12 days annually (1 day/month)
- Eligibility for Menstrual Leave
- Women employees aged 18-52
Quotes
Karnataka Education Department
The department issuing the circular on menstrual leave for women government employees.
“To enhance the efficiency and performance of women employees working in various departments of the state, and to boost their morale, the provisions for availing one day of paid leave per month during the menstrual cycle—amounting to a total of 12 days of paid leave annually—shall be as proposed in Reference (2) and as specified in the Government Order dated Nov 12, 2025.”
NDTV
“The facility may be availed by submitting an application to the competent authority. Employees availing the leave shall, depending on the circumstances, necessarily bring to the notice of the concerned section officer any urgent office files or court-related files and ensure that responsibilities are duly attended to.”
NDTV
Shalini Rajneesh
State Chief Secretary of Karnataka
“Therefore, on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with the objective of reconnecting public service with the country's freedom struggle, the state government has taken an important decision to promote the use of khadi. Accordingly, officers and employees of all state government, aided institutions, corporations, boards, autonomous bodies, universities are requested to "voluntarily" wear khadi attire on the first Saturday of every month, and to issue directions to officers and staff of their respective departments to wear khadi while participating in all official government programmes, including the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.”
NDTV
“"Khadi" is not merely a garment; it is a symbol of the nation's dignity and pride. At present, khadi weavers are taking steps to produce garments in new and modern designs. Moreover, khadi production forms the backbone of the rural economy and provides direct and indirect livelihoods to thousands of rural spinners and weavers in the state.”
NDTV
