KSRTC introduces 180 day-childcare leave for single male employees. 'Leave will be cancelled if...'

This development is part of a broader trend in India to extend childcare benefits to single male employees.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced a policy granting 180 days of childcare leave to single male employees, including those who are unmarried, divorced, or widowers. This initiative aligns with broader governmental efforts to provide childcare leave to single male employees.

However, the KSRTC policy includes a stipulation that if an employee marries during the childcare leave period, the leave will be revoked. This condition has sparked discussions regarding its implications for employees' personal decisions during the leave period.

This development is part of a broader trend in India to extend childcare benefits to single male employees, acknowledging their roles in child-rearing responsibilities. For instance, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has extended childcare leave to single male employees, allowing them to avail up to two years of leave, with full salary for the first year and 80% pay for the second year.

Similarly, the Haryana government has approved amendments allowing employees to take two years (730 days) of childcare leave.

The introduction of the policy sparked numerous reactions on X. "Way ahead of its time," a user wrote. Another user commented, "

That makes no sense. Childcare is childcare, why should the assumption be that a married man must leave childcare to his wife? It's simultaneously one step forward and one step back."

"For a while I thought and was happy that this was for everyone. Anyways, good job and good initiative by @KSRTC_Journeys. This is truly a great decision in terms of the benefits for employees!" a third user remarked.