Government Plans Restrooms for Women Staff in Offices
Kaluru, March 4: Many women employees work in government offices across Karnataka. To ensure their comfort, the Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association had earlier written a letter to the Chief Secretary, requesting a separate rest area for women staff.
Now, the government has taken note of this request and asked for urgent information on the matter.
Vimalakshi B., Under Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, has issued an order regarding this. The circular refers to the employees’ association’s request for restrooms and rest areas for women in government offices.
The Details of the Request
The letter from the association highlights the need for separate rest areas for women employees due to various situations, such as:
- Menstrual health needs
- Pregnancy-related conditions
- Miscarriage recovery
- Nursing mothers who need to feed their babies
- Changing uniforms or clothes
- Other medical emergencies
The letter mentions that a large number of women work in government offices, including in Bengaluru and other districts. However, most offices do not have separate restrooms or rest areas for them.
Government’s Response
The government has now asked all departments to provide details about the availability of rest areas for women employees in their offices. They must submit this information by March 10, 2025.
The Employees’ Association, led by President C.S. Shadakshari, has suggested that restrooms should have the following facilities:
- One or two beds with proper arrangements for rest
- Clean drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Four to five chairs for sitting
- Partitioned space for changing clothes
The association emphasized that these facilities will help women employees take short breaks, handle medical needs, and care for their infants comfortably.