Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday approved enhancing the maternity leave for women soldiers from the existing 180 days to 26 weeks and childcare leave from 365 days to 730 days, the ministry of defence said in an official statement. The new rules will be applicable retrospectively from January 1, 2022, the statement added. “The revised maternity leave and childcare leave policy will not only help improve the gender balance in the armed forces but also impactfully contribute towards addressing the aspirations of women soldiers to progress in their respective careers,” the ministry said. The move comes four months after the Supreme Court ruled that women officers in the army are entitled to permanent commission and command positions. Earlier, the Centre had informed the Supreme Court that it had decided to grant permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Army, and they would be entitled to benefits, including pension, on par with their male counterparts. Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the army headquarters had asked the Adjutant General’s branch to prepare a detailed implementation plan for granting permanent commission to women officers. The ministry has also enhanced the period of childcare leave from 365 days to 730 days. The childcare leave can be availed by women officers in two spells, the first spell up to one year and the second spell up to two years. The second spell of childcare leave can be availed anytime before the child attains the age of five years. The ministry said that the decision has been taken to address the challenges faced by women soldiers in balancing their professional and personal lives. “This will also contribute towards addressing the aspirations of women soldiers to progress in their respective careers,” the ministry said..
Rajnath Okays Maternity Child Care Leave for Women Soldiers for 26 Weeks
