IMPHAL, April 24: The Manipur government has announced the adoption of key Central Government policies aimed at enhancing leave entitlements for women employees and single male employees with minor children. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Governor-in-Council held on Thursday.

The meeting, chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan conference hall, was attended by the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and Administrative Secretaries of various departments,

According to a statement issued by Commissioner (Finance) N Ashok Kumar, the council approved “the adoption of two very important and relevant Central Government Office Memorandums (OMs) related to Paid Leave especially for working women.”

The first provision enables Child Care Leave (CCL) for women employees and single male employees who have minor children below 18 years. “Women employees and single male employees having minor children may be granted Child Care Leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a maximum period of 730 days during their entire service for taking care of up to two eldest surviving children, whether for rearing or to look after any of their needs like examination, sickness, etc,” the statement said.

Highlighting the rationale behind the decision, the government added, “Child care leave is important for several reasons, including supporting working mothers, fulfilling constitutional mandates.” It further acknowledged the “dual role of employees—particularly women—as professionals and caregivers,” noting that this policy is a step forward in ensuring work-life balance.

In addition to the CCL, the council has also approved the grant of 60 days Special Maternity Leave in cases of stillbirth or death of a child shortly after birth.

“Keeping in view the potential trauma caused due to stillbirth or death of a child soon after birth, which has a far-reaching impact on the mother’s life, the Government has decided to grant a Special Maternity Leave of 60 days to a female Central Government servant in case of death of a child soon after birth under certain terms and conditions,” the statement read.

This special leave is distinct from regular maternity leave and is meant for specific circumstances. “The objective of this Leave is to provide emotional and physical support to a mother undergoing trauma or distress due to such incidents, ensuring she has time to recover without loss of pay or job-related anxiety,” the release further stated.