Parenthood is a journey that no one is ever prepared for. It is on the go learning course where making mistakes in terms of taking care and raising the child can have lasting consequences. If the child falls sick, parents must also take leave at their workplace to nurse their kid. To make it easier for parents working in the government to take care of their children, the Centre told Lok Sabha on August 9, 2023, that females and single male parents will be entitled to 730 days of child care leaves (CCL).
As per various news reports, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh declared this in a written reply to the Lok Sabha House. He said that women and single male government officials can avail of up to 730 days of child care leaves throughout their entire tenure at the office. This allows the officials to take child care leaves for their two eldest children who are up to 18 years of age.
The employees can take child care leaves under Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Services Leaves. Additionally, if the child is differently abled, then there is no age cap either. A 2022 report issued by the Ministery Of Personnel states that the leaves cannot be granted for more than three spells, meaning 3 parts, in a year but female employees can avail CCL for six spells in a year.
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In terms of maternity leaves, female government employees are entitled to leaves up to 180 days during the pregnancy tenure. Women working in the government are also granted 45 days of leaves in case they undergo an abortion or miscarriage. When it comes to paternity leaves, male government employees are granted leaves of up to 15 days. He can also be granted this leave in case he adopts a child below one year of age.
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