Maharashtra, July 4: There is good news for women government employees in the state, as now they will be able to avail child care paid leave of 180 days till their children attain 18 years of age. The best part is that women with two children and men, who are widowers can also avail of this leave to bring up their child.

Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar informed that state Cabinet on Tuesday gave nod for the proposal of the special child care leave proposal. According to a DNA report, Maharashtra State Gazetted Officers' Organization founder and advisor GD Kulthe has been quoted as saying, "It was a welcome decision and employee's organisations were demanding it for some time. He said that Union Government gives two years of child care leave and it is good that state Government has granted this leave for women employees and men employees who have lost their wives."

This special child care leave can be availed at one stretch or in gaps. According to the PTI report, an official has said that women employees would find this facility helpful when their children are in class 10th or 12th. Employees will be able to demand this leave thrice a year.

On March 09, 2017 the parliament approved a bill granting women working in the organised sector a paid maternity leave of 26 weeks as compared to a policy of 12 weeks earlier. This is applicable for the first two children.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2018 10:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).