Single Male Officers' Two-Year Paid Childcare Leave
1. Who is eligible for the two-year paid childcare leave?
Single male officers belonging to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS) are eligible for the two-year paid chldcare leave.
2. When did this change come into effect ?
The change allowing single male officers to avail two-year paid childcare leave came into effect on July 29.
3. Was this benefit available to male officers before the change?
No, previously, only female officers were eligible for this benefit.
4. What does "single male" refer to in this context?
"Single male" refers to unmarried, widower, or divorcee officers, as mentioned in the notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
5. What are the All India Services (Leave) Rules, 1955?
The All India Services (Leave) Rules, 1955, govern the leave policies for officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
6. How long can officers avail childcare leave under the new rules?
Both female and single male officers can be granted childcare leave for a maximum period of 730 days during their entire service.
7. What is the purpose of childcare leave?
Childcare leave is meant for taking care of officers' two eldest surviving children, up to the age of 18 years, for reasons like rearing, education, sickness, and more.
8. What will be the salary during childcare leave?
During childcare leave, members of the service will receive leave salary equal to the pay they were drawing before proceeding on leave.
In the first year of leave, they will be paid 100% of their regular salary, and in the following 365 days, they will receive 80% of their pay.
9. Are there any limitations on availing childcare leave?
Yes, childcare leave shall not be granted for more than three spells in a calendar year.
However, in the case of single female members of the service, childcare leave may be granted for up to six spells in a calendar year.
Each spell of childcare leave cannot be for a period less than five days.
10. How is childcare leave accounted for?
A separate leave account will be maintained for childcare leave, and it will not be debited against the other leave accounts of the service member.
11. Are there any exceptions for childcare leave during the probation period?
Childcare leave will not be granted during the probation period, except in extreme situations.
The leave during this period will be minimal.
12. What is the aim of these changes?
These changes aim to provide better support to officers in balancing their family responsibilities while serving in the respective services.
