Guwahati, March 30, 2025:Â In a historic step towards encouraging gender balance and well-being of families, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that single fathers working in state government services would be able to avail themselves of Child Care Leave (CCL). This marks an extension of the scope of the CCL, which hitherto has been a facility available exclusively to female workers.
Posting the notification on social networking site X, Sarma stated, “At times life could take a new turn, and a man has to become a single caregiver to a child. In such circumstances, we stand by our employees of the state government. Hereafter, single fathers will be provided with Child Care Leave so that they could look after their young ones.”
The Assam Cabinet had already sanctioned changes in the state’s Child Care Leave Rules that entitle single male employees—widowers or divorcees with custody of up to two children—to take advantage of the leave. The new policy grants CCL not only to single fathers but also to female employees serving as caregivers to disabled children, regardless of the child’s age. Both groups are now eligible for a combined maximum of up to two years (730 days) of CCL.
This forward-thinking step is designed to offer vital assistance to single fathers who are the sole caregivers of their children, a role that has traditionally been disproportionately assigned to mothers. By implementing this policy shift, the Assam government is reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and making sure that fathers are not excluded from child-rearing responsibilities.
The development is part of overall initiatives of the state government towards improving the welfare of the people and improving the living standard of all residents.
In another related development, Sarma also brought to attention the success recorded by the BJP government in Assam and the overall North-East region since assuming power in 2016. Delivering on Saturday, Sarma looked at the change Assam has seen under the reign of the BJP.
Assam is a much nicer place to be now compared to a decade back. The ‘Khilonjia,’ Indigenous, means something more now that our people preponderate in Assam,” Sarma claimed.
Tackling questions regarding immigration and deportation, Sarma recognized the struggle but pointed towards his government working to secure and recover lost terrain for Assam’s indigenous populace.
This step is a major move towards a more inclusive and nurturing space for families in Assam, with an emphasis on achieving work-life balance for both mothers and fathers.
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