New Delhi (01.08.2023): A single male belonging to All India Services -- Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) – is now be eligible for paid childcare leave which was applicable to female officers only earlier. The new rule came into effect from July 29, 2023.

Single male refers to an unmarried or widower or divorcee male member of the service. The government has amended All India Services (Leave) Rules, 1955. Some changes have been made in the salary payout and other conditions too.

The existing rule prescribes granting childcare leave to a female member of the service who has minor children below the age of eighteen for a maximum of 730 days during her entire service for taking care of up to two children. Further, during child care leave, such members will be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

Change has also been made in leave conditions. The existing rule says childcare leave may be availed in more than one spell. Also, it will not be debited against the leave account of the service member. Childcare leave may not be granted for less than five days in a spell. Also, a separate leave account will be maintained for child care leave and shall not be debited against the other leave accounts.

A new sub-rule has been added to the rule, which makes it clear that childcare leave will not be granted during probation period, except in extreme situations. Also, leave will be minimal.