The central government has implemented a significant policy change that provides significant child care leave benefits to female and single male government employees. On August 9, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, conveyed this information.
This new policy states that female government employees and single male counterparts working in civil services or roles related to Union affairs can now take child care leave (CCL). This provision is outlined in Rule 43-C of the 1972 Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules. Eligible employees may use this leave for up to 730 days during their entire service tenure.
The primary goal of this child care leave is to allow government employees to attend to their parental responsibilities, specifically caring for their two eldest surviving children up to the age of 18. In the case of differently-abled children, there are no age restrictions for taking advantage of this leave.
Singh confirmed these details in a written response to an inquiry in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. This policy shift demonstrates the government’s recognition of the importance of work-life balance and its support for employees performing caregiving duties.
This change has the potential to improve the lives of government employees, particularly women and single men. It provides them with the flexibility to effectively manage their work commitments while also attending to their familial responsibilities. Furthermore, this development reflects a broader societal shift, one that values and recognises the critical roles and responsibilities of parents within the context of today’s workforce.
