Under Rule 43-C of CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, female government servants in India are eligible for Child Care Leave (CCL) for a maximum of 730 days during their entire service for taking care of their two eldest surviving children up to the age of 18 years.
This leave can be availed in multiple spells, but not more than three spells in a calendar year, except for single female government servants who can avail it for up to six spells in a calendar year. The leave can be combined with other leave types and is paid at the same rate as the salary drawn before going on leave.
Eligibility:
Female government employees (including those in vacation departments) are eligible for CCL.
CCL is available to single male parents, including widowers, divorcees, or unmarried individuals
Age Limit:
The child for whom CCL is taken must be 18 years or younger. However, there's no age limit for disabled children.
Leave Duration:
A maximum of 730 days of CCL can be availed during the entire service period.
Number of Spells:
CCL can be taken in multiple spells. For most employees, this is limited to three spells in a calendar year. Child care leave can not be granted for a period less than five days at a time. Single female government servants can avail it for up to six spells in a calendar year.
The leave sanctioning authorities in the Ministries or Departments under the Government of India are bestowed with the power to relax up to a maximum of three spells beyond the existing three spells of Child Care Leave in a calendar year, under Rule 43-C(3)(i) of the CCS (Leave) Rules 1972, to female Central Government employees and single male Central Government employees in case their child is admitted in a hospital as inpatient. (DOPT OM No. A-24011/5/2024-ESTT.-Leave dated 29/07/2024)
Leave Salary during CCL:
During the period of child care leave, a Government servant shall be paid 100% salary for the first 365 days, and at 80% for next 365 days.
Combining CCL with other leave:
CCL can be combined with other leave types, such as earned leave.
Prior approval for availing CCL:
CCL cannot be availed without the prior approval of the competent authority.
CCL for Single Male Employees:
Single male government servants (unmarried, widower, or divorced) are also eligible for CCL, according to DoPT.
No Demand as a Right:
CCL cannot be demanded as a matter of right.
CCL during Probation Period:
CCL may be granted during probation in exceptional circumstances, provided the period of leave is minimal and the leave sanctioning authority is satisfied with the need for CCL.
Commuted Leave and LND in continuation to CCL without requiring MC:
Without production of medical certificate, Commuted Leave not exceeding sixty days and Leave Not Due up to a maximum of one year, can be availed in continuation with child care leave.
CCL for surrogacy:
In case of surrogacy, the commissioning mother with less than two surviving children may be granted child care leave.
Note 1:- The expression ‘commissioning mother’ shall mean the intending mother of the child born through surrogacy. (DOPT Notification No. A-24011/21/2023-ESTT-Leave, dated 18.06.2024)
HRA during CCL:
HRA can be drawn during CCL, similar to other admissible leaves, for the first 180 days. For CCL beyond the initial 180 days, HRA is subject to certain conditions, including the submission of a specific certificate. (DoE OM No. No. 2(9)12012-E.II(B) dated 27th August 2012)
LTC during CCL:
LTC may be availed while an employee is on CCL. An employee on CCL may also proceed on foreign travel provided clearances from appropriate competent authorities are taken in advance.[O.M. No. 13018/6/2013-Estt(L) dated 03.04.2018]