Leave rule relaxed for mothers of disabled

The government has relaxed the age restriction on childcare leave (CCL) given to women employees with disabled children. In ordinary circumstances, women can avail the special two-year CCL till their children are 18. After the extension, mothers of disabled children can avail the leave till their children are 22.
The department of personnel and training (DoPT) passed the order after getting requests from mothers that the age restriction be relaxed for disabled and mentally-challenged children. “We consulted the finance ministry and decided to permit CCL to women with disabled children till they are 22,” a DoPT circular said.

Mothers of children with a minimum disability of 40% are entitled to this, but only if the child is dependent on her. Disabilities included mental retardation,locomotor/orthopaedic disability, visual disability, speech and hearing disability.

The government had announced the childcare leave in the Sixth Pay Commission. The leave is for the entire service period and can be taken whenever the employee thinks fit, especially when the child is sick or is appearing for an exam.

During the leave period, the employee is entitled to get salary equal to what she was getting before going on leave. Besides, the Centre gives extra benefits to disabled women. For two years, they are paid Rs1,000 over and above their gross salary as childcare allowance.