Assam to grant child care leave for upto 2 years to single male govt employees: 'We've got you covered'

Child Care Leave will be granted to single fathers in Assam. (Representational image)

The Assam Cabinet approved an amendment to the Child Care Leave (CCL) rules, allowing single male state government employees who are widowers or divorcees with custody of up to two kids to take leave for up to two years, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.

Taking to X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Sometimes life may take unexpected turns and a man may have to be the sole caregiver for a child. If such a scenario ever arises for our State Govt employees, we've got you covered."

Sometimes life may take unexpected turns and a man may have to be the sole caregiver for a child. If such a scenario ever arises for our State Govt employees, we've got you covered.From now on, we will grant Child Care Leave to single fathers to take care of their little ones pic.twitter.com/NkHFy9zXJ5

Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 30, 2025

"From now on, we will grant Child Care Leave to single fathers to take care of their little ones," he added.

The rules will be amended to improve child care, allowing both women and single male government employees with custody of up to two children (until the age of 18) or specially abled kids of any age to take leave for up to two years, the CM told reporters after the cabinet meeting, PTI reported.

The Assam cabinet also approved implementation of additional support price of Rs 250 per quintal for paddy and Rs 500 per quintal for mustard, Sarma said.

It also gave its nod to a new medical college and hospital in Darrang, which will be built at a cost of Rs 572 crore, having 430 beds and an annual intake of 100 MBBS students.

(With inputs from PTI)