Port Blair, July 18: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary to implement uniform rules for availing Child Care Leave (CCL) in all departments of Andaman & Nicobar Administration for convenience of working mothers in taking care of their children as per prescribed norms of Government of India.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament mentioned that some departments under Andaman & Nicobar Administration have made the process of sanctioning Child Care Leave (CCL) so much complex that working women are finding it too difficult to avail Child Care Leave CCL, which is a benefit provided by Government of India.

He mentioned that some departments are demanding medical certificates for granting CCL, while some departments are asking the women employees to find a replacement, even for applying for CCL.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that a mother in need of Child Care Leave (CCL) to take care of their children during health issues, examinations and any other needs can’t run from pillar to post to find a medical certificate or replacement. Things become difficult for working mothers who are working in remote Islands.

He mentioned that together with jobs and children, women carry many other responsibilities and this is why considering the challenges faced by working women, the Government of India has framed specific rules for availing CCL but in some departments additional rules are being imposed, which are restricting women from availing CCL at the time of need.

He said that Child Care Leave can be granted to women employees having minor children below the age of 18 years, for a maximum period of 2 years (i.e. 730 days) during their entire service, for taking care of up to two children whether for rearing or to look after any of their needs like examination, sickness etc.