Request for one-time relaxation for extension of maximum period for availing Paternity Leave.
No.AIRF/50 Dated: June 27, 2020
The D.G.(H.R.),
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Request for one-time relaxation for extension of maximum period for availing Paternity Leave in view of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ref.: Para 551(A) – Paternity Leave, Chapter-V(Leave Rules) of the IREC, Vol. I
As you aware, due to recent COVID-19 problem in the country and due to the lockdown in the whole country it is very difficult to travel from one place to another for availing leave due to transportation problem.
As per the provision contained in para 551(A) of the IREC, Vol. I, Paternity Leave, for a period of 15 days, are allowed to the Male Railway Servant, up to two surviving children within 6 months period from the date of delivery of the child.
It has been noticed that the related staff have faced problems for availing Paternity Leave in this situation, specially whose family residing in their native place and not in a position to avail Paternity Leave within a specific period, i.e. 6 months period. You also aware that, as per the provision contained in the IREC, after a period of 6 months Paternity Leave shall be treated as “Lapsed”. Many staff have complained for non-availing sanctioned Paternity Leave due to the lockdown in the country since 22.03.2020. In such cases Paternity Leave will be treated as “Lapsed”, if one-time extension is not allowed. In this regard we suggest and demand two options for resolving the problem.
(i) Maximum period for availing Paternity Leave may be extended from 6 months to 1 year.
(ii) Otherwise, for such period, 15 days Paternity Leave be allowed to crediting in the Leave Account.
In view of the foregoing facts, Board are requested to communicate necessary sanction to all the Zonal Railways and Production Units for extension of maximum availing period, from 6 months to 1 year or allow 15 days Paternity Leave, crediting in the Employee’s Leave Account in Special Cases, like COVID-19 and the lockdown.
Yours faithfully
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
Source: AIRF