The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved a one-day menstrual leave for women workers across various sectors. The government also sanctioned a new medical college and upgrades for several polytechnic institutions. State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil confirmed these decisions after the cabinet meeting in Bengaluru.
This approval marks a significant step for labour welfare in the state. The new policy grants one day of menstrual leave to women employees. This includes individuals working in diverse fields, from garment manufacturing to the Information Technology (IT) sector. Minister Patil emphasized the broad application of this measure.
Education and Infrastructure Boost
Education infrastructure received a substantial boost. The cabinet approved the establishment of a new medical college in Kanakapura . This institution will operate with autonomous status. It plans for an annual intake of 150 students .
The medical college project carries an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore . The development will include modern college buildings. A 300-bed teaching hospital is also part of the plan. Separate hostels will be built for boys and girls. Staff quarters and other essential facilities will also be constructed. The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences will provide the necessary funding for this initiative.
Technical Education Upgrades
Technical education facilities are also set for major improvements. The cabinet sanctioned Rs 70 crore for the renovation of the CPC Polytechnic in Mysuru . This budget will cover both renovations and the construction of additional facilities. Furthermore, Rs 50 crore was approved for upgrading the Chintamani Polytechnic . These enhancements will include significant infrastructure improvements and the addition of a new auditorium.
Labour Welfare and Tourism Development
The cabinet cleared the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025 . This legislative change aims to enhance financial assistance. It applies across six existing labour welfare schemes. Specifically, it boosts educational incentives for organized workers and their dependents.
A major eco-tourism and cultural development project also received approval. The first phase will focus on the Devikarani Estate in Tataguni, Bengaluru district . This initial stage is estimated to cost Rs 55.33 crore . The project falls under the Centrally Sponsored Special Assistance to State Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Destination scheme.
Land and Commercial Development
Several land-related decisions were also finalized. Civic amenity plots located in Annigeri, Afzalpur, Navalgund, and Magadi will be leased to the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Bhavan, Bengaluru. This move facilitates development for the political organization.
Additionally, 3.285 acres of land at Derebail in Mangaluru will be monetized and developed. This property will be transformed into a Commercial Office Tech Park. The development will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, specifically Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT). This approach involves collaboration between the government and private entities.
Finally, the cabinet granted nine acres of Gairan land in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district to B Shivananda Rural Vidyapeetha, Hodageri. This land transfer was approved at 10 percent of its market value. These approvals address various sectors, from social welfare to urban and rural development.