In a recognition that adopted infants need the same care and attention from their new parents as bloodline children, the Centre has decided to provide `child adoption leave' of 15 days to male government servants and extend maternity leave of women employees from the existing 135 days to 180 days — entitlements they would enjoy as natural parents.
The ministry of personnel notified these provisions on Wednesday which will, for the first time, allow a male government employee to avail child adoption leave within a period of six months from the date of adoption of a child below the age of one.
``The rule will, however, be applicable to only those male government servants who have either no child or have only one biological/adopted surviving child. The clause has been added because even in the case of natural parents, maternity/paternity leave does not apply to public servants for the third child and beyond,'' an official said.
The decision was taken in view of the recommendation of the sixth central pay commission (CPC) which had last year extended maternity leave from 135 days to 180 days in case of natural mothers.
In the wake of the sixth CPC recommendations, the ministry of personnel had received a number of representations requesting enhancement of child adoption leave in line with maternity leave.
``A female government servant in whose case the period of 135 days of child adoption leave has not expired on the date of issue of these orders (July 22, 2009) will also be eligible for the leave of 180 days,'' the office order said.
