RCSC awaits Cabinet’s directives to implement maternity leave extension
Pema Lhaden, ThimphuFeb 11 2016
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) is still waiting for the Cabinet’s directive to officially enforce the extension of maternity leave from three to six months.
RCSC says once it receives a directive from the Cabinet, it will right away issue an official notification to the government offices for implementation.
On the other hand, the Cabinet has decided only the mothers will be entitled for the six months additional parental leave. Lyonpo also clarified a mother will be entitled for only half a day leave during the additional six months parental leave.
RCSC had proposed that either of parents should be entitled for the additional six months parental leave.
“Instead of making it flexible for both parents…the Cabinet thought that it would be best for mother to just work for half a day and take leave because compulsory breast feeding is only for six months.” She said after six months, a baby can be fed supplementary food.
Lyonpo said the private employers should also consider six months maternity leave.
Government and the state-owned enterprises grant three months maternity leave for mothers and five working days paternity leave for fathers at the moment.
The government, during their campaign in 2013, had promised extension of maternity leave.
Hon’ble Lyonpo also didn’t consider situations like death of mother during childbirth. Father has to be naturally look after surviving baby.
So having such clause is added advantage.
Nine months to six months leave and now Half day leave??? Funny. Just to say they have fulfilled the promise? Cabinet is taking the Mothers for a ride.