Social Activist From Odisha Advocates For Paid Menstrual Leaves At UN

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Priyadarshini has come a long way, in her effort to raise the voice on the issue and challenge societal norms and stigma surrounding menstruation

Speaking to ANI, she said that the paid period leave initiative is for all the working women, and they should get one to two-day leave during their period and that their leaves would be paid

She also said that following her first visit to a UN Conference in Kenya, where she spoke for the first time on the issue on a global stage, the Odisha government implemented the paid period leave initiative August 15 this year

Priyadarshini said that her efforts for paid period leaves came from her own experience when she was also working and requested leave due to her cramps, but faced humiliation from her manager

New York, Sept 24: Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, a social activist from Odisha, emphasised the need for paid menstrual leaves for women during the 'Summit of the Future' event at the 79th UNGA in New York.

Priyadarshini has come a long way, in her effort to raise the voice on the issue and challenge societal norms and stigma surrounding menstruation.

Speaking to ANI, she said that the paid period leave initiative is for all the working women, and they should get one to two-day leave during their period and that their leaves would be paid so that women would take leave without thinking about their salary being deducted due to their leave.

"I am very grateful that today I have been able to attend the UN conference for the second time and my main issue is paid period leave. Paid period leave means that all working women should get 1-2 days leave during their periods and it should be paid; only then will they be able to take leave; otherwise, no woman will ever want to take leave thinking that her salary will be deducted," she said.

Priyadarshini further appreciated the Karnataka government's announcement of implementing six paid period leaves in a year but requested the leaves to be increased to increase the leaves by 12 days.

"There was another conference held in Kenya where I was given the chance to speak for the first time and I want to thank the UN officials for giving me the chance to put forward my issue... After I came back to India, the Odisha government said they would implement the paid period leave. Recently, on August 15, the Odisha government announced the paid period leave," she said.

"I requested more than 40 prime ministers, presidents, and ministers of the country to implement paid leave in their countries too. I am also happy that the Karnataka government has announced the paid period leaves for six days but I would request them to increase the number of leaves by 12 days," the social activist added.

Priyadarshini said that her efforts for paid period leaves came from her own experience when she was also working and requested leave due to her cramps, but faced humiliation from her manager, following which she resigned from the job.

Notably, Her efforts have sparked significant conversations around menstrual health and the well-being of women. Priyadarshini's story has inspired changes and promoted a more inclusive and supportive environment for menstruating individuals not only in India but all around the world.

A Bollywood film is also expected to be released soon on paid period leave initiative.

(ANI)

read more Odisha News

Colourful Mangoes On Your Plate Soon, UP-Based Institute To Introduce Two Varieties

by Utkalika Mohanty

Lucknow, Sep 24: The city-based Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) is set to introduce two new varieties of mangoes soon.

Both the varieties namely 'Awadh Samridhi' and 'Awadh Madhurima' are undergoing field trials and the former will be launched first. The new varieties are set to enrich Indian mangoes' diverse repertoire.

According to T. Damodaran, CISH Director, 'Awadh Samridhi' is a climate-resilient hybrid variety that bears fruit regularly. Its vibrant colour enhances its appeal, with each fruit weighing around 300 gm.

The medium-sized tree, suitable for intensive gardening, reaches 15 to 20 feet after 15 years, making it easy to manage. Its ripening season falls between July and August. At present, undergoing field trials, 'Awadh Samridhi' is expected to be released soon.

'Awadh Madhurima' is also undergoing field trials and may take additional time before being introduced in the state.

Uttar Pradesh benefits the most from these new varieties, given its status as the leading mango producer in India. With their attractive colours, average size, and extended shelf life, these varieties hold strong export potential, especially to markets in Europe and the US, where colourful mangoes are highly preferred.

Additionally, they are likely to fetch higher prices in local markets.

Previously, CISH had developed two notable mango varieties, 'Ambika' and 'Arunika', with unique strengths.

Notably, all four varieties developed by CISH in recent years are distinguished by their vibrant colours.

The Ambika variety is known for its consistent fruiting, high yield, and late maturation. Its yellow fruit has an attractive deep red blush on the skin, while the pulp is deep yellow, firm, less fibrous, and of excellent quality. It has a strong shelf life, with each fruit weighing between 350 and 400 gm. After 10 years of planting, each tree can produce around 80 kg of fruit. Due to its vibrant colour and ideal size, 'Ambika' is popular in local markets and shows strong export potential.

This variety is widely accepted and can thrive in subtropical and tropical regions, excluding areas with heavy rainfall. It is suitable for cultivation in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Similarly, 'Arunika' is known for its regular fruiting and late ripening. The fruits have smooth, orange-yellow skin with an attractive red blush and are prized for their excellent taste and quality. With a good storage capacity, each fruit weighs between 190 and 210 gm. The orange-yellow pulp is firm and low in fibre. The tree is dwarf in size with a dense canopy, making it ideal for intensive gardening. After 10 years, each tree yields nearly 70 kg of fruit. 'Arunika' is well-suited for all mango-producing regions in subtropical and tropical climates.

According to Ashish Yadav, Principal Scientist at the institute, developing a new mango variety takes nearly two decades. In the initial phase, trials are conducted within the developing institute. Once satisfactory results are obtained, the variety is sent for trials at other institutes across the country. Only after receiving positive feedback from multiple locations is the variety officially released.

In addition to traditional varieties, scientists at leading research institutes in India have developed several commercially valuable mango varieties. Notable examples include: Arunima, Surya, Pratibha, Shrestha, Pitambar, Lalima, Deepshikha, and Manohari developed at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, as well as Suprabhat, Anmol, Uday, Puneet, Aruna, and Neelachal Kesari developed at Indian Horticultural Research Institute (Bengaluru).

It is worth mentioning here that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath envisions transforming Uttar Pradesh into a major hub for agricultural exports. To facilitate faster transportation of goods to export centres, a network of expressways is being developed.

The Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressways are already operational, and the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is nearing completion. The Chief Minister has issued clear directives to ensure the Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, is completed ahead of the Maha Kumbh.

In line with this vision, the government is planning to establish Jewar International Airport as a key export hub. Recognising the stringent quality standards for agricultural products in markets such as the US and Europe, the Yogi Adityanath administration is focused on creating the necessary infrastructure to meet these demands.

In the future, similar export facilities could also be established at Ayodhya and Kushinagar International Airports.

Additionally, the Prayagraj-Haldia waterway, the country's only inland waterway, is becoming a significant mode of transport for agricultural exports, with plans to extend it to Ayodhya.

--IANS

Read National News

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Calls For CBI Inquiry In MUDA Scam, Asks Karnataka CM To Resign

by Hemanta Pande

Bengaluru, Sep 24: Following Karanataka High Court's dismissal of the petition filed by Siddaramaiah challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval on conducting an investigation in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday demanded a CBI inquiry, urging Siddaramaiah to step down as the Chief Minister of the state.

"There are more than 500-1000 sites allocated to other people also illegally. Most of them have happened in the last few months and hence they have to be investigated. Henceforth, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has to resign for the investigation to be conducted impartially," Joshi said.

The Dharwad BJP MP further said that the Karnataka High Court's ruling pertaining to the MUDA scam stands as an "eye opener" for the current Congress government in power in Karnataka.

"After such a detailed hearing, the facts which have come out, it is really an eye opener for all the people in power. This is a huge scam and it can't happen without any political influence. I strongly urge Chief Minister to resign and demand for the investigation by the CBI," Joshi said while speaking to ANI.

Reacting to the judgement, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar said that the Karnataka Chief Minister should resign on "moral grounds" so that there can be "impartial investigation".

"Now impartial investigation has to be started after filing the FIR against the CM. When his name is involved, his wife's name is there, I insist the CM to resign immediately on moral grounds. He has to allow an impartial investigation of MUDA scam...It is a landmark decision and it has been pronounced by the High Court as per the legal purview," Shettar said.

Reacting to the judgement, Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra said, "BJP has been relentlessly fighting against the corrupt Congress government. We have been fighting against the corrupt CM Siddaramaiah...When BJP took up the issue of MUDA scam...HC said that the petition challenged by the CM has been dismissed. The judge has observed that all are equal before the law. At this juncture I demand CM Siddaramiah ji to resign."

However, despite the an adverse verdict from the Karnataka High Court on the Governor's nod to sanction prosecution against Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that there is no question of resignation and this is "political conspiracy" by the BJP.

Speaking to reporters, DK Shivakumar said, "There is no question (of resignation) by CM. He has not done anything wrong. He is not involved with any scam. This is a political conspiracy by the BJP to all of us, to all the opposition leaders of the country...so there is no question of why Chief Minister done anything wrong, they are creating problem. We stand by him, we support him. He has been doing a good work for the country, party and state."

Shivakumar further denied the setback to the Chief Minister and iterated that there is a "big conspiracy" against all the leaders of the Congress. However, he asserted that the party respects the legal system of the country.

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the approval given by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for conducting investigation against him in the alleged illegalities in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) allotting sites to his wife.

In his judgment the single judge bench of Justice Nagaprasanna said that the order of sanction for prosecution does not suffer from non-application of mind by the Governor.

It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. The High Court, in its interim order passed on August 19, had granted a temporary relief to Siddaramaiah by directing a special court in Bengaluru to defer further proceedings and not to take any precipitative action pursuant to the sanction granted by the Governor. (ANI)

Social Activist From Odisha Advocates For Paid Menstrual Leaves At UN

Download Mobile App