Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday assured women employees that the State government will declare September 13 as “Women Employees’ Day” in recognition of their contribution in the State’s administration. He was addressing the women’s conference organised by the Akhila Karnataka Rajya Sarkari Mahila Noukarara Sangha in Bengaluru.

The government has approved one-day paid menstrual leave per month for women employees, he said. Discussions are also under way to provide space for the association’s office at Bal Bhavan.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating gender discrimination, the Chief Minister said women officials were serving on a par with their male counterparts across departments. “Our government is committed to equal treatment and inclusivity,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah emphasised the need to encourage scientific temper and rational thinking among children and urged women to take the lead in dispelling superstitions and blind beliefs in society. He called upon parents and teachers to build awareness among children and nurture a progressive mindset.

He noted that despite advances in literacy since Independence — from 10-12% then to nearly 78% today — even educated individuals often remained influenced by superstition. “Only when we cultivate rational thinking can we build a healthy, egalitarian society,” he said, pointing to ongoing initiatives such as the practice of reading the Preamble to the Constitution in all schools and colleges.

Highlighting initiatives for women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said 3.5 crore women were benefiting from the Shakti scheme, which offered free bus travel and reduced financial burden on households. Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he said women should be socially and economically empowered for true freedom to be realised.

Mr. Siddaramaiah urged women employees to contribute actively to improving efficiency and quality of governance in the State.