Guwahati: In a progressive move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that single fathers employed in state government services will now be eligible for Child Care Leave (CCL), a benefit previously available only to women employees.
Sharing the announcement on the social media platform X, Sarma stated, “Sometimes life may take unexpected turns, and a man may have to become the sole caregiver for a child. In such cases, we are here to support our state government employees. From now on, single fathers will be granted Child Care Leave to take care of their little ones.”
The Assam Cabinet had earlier approved amendments to the Child Care Leave Rules, making CCL available to single male government employees who are widowers or divorcees with custody of up to two children.
Under the revised policy, single male employees and female employees with custody of disabled children, regardless of age, can avail themselves of up to two years (730 days) of CCL.
This initiative aims to provide vital support to single fathers who shoulder the primary responsibility for their children, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender equality and family welfare.
ALSO READ: Assam journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder released on bail amid protests
In a separate development, the chief minister highlighted the achievements of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam and the North-East region since coming to power in 2016.
Speaking on Saturday, Sarma emphasised the transformation in Assam under BJP rule.
“Assam has become a much better place to live over the past decade. The term ‘Khilonjia,’ meaning Indigenous, holds greater significance today as our people dominate Assam,” Sarma said.
Addressing issues of immigration and deportation, Sarma acknowledged the challenges but reaffirmed his government’s efforts to reclaim and protect lost spaces.
