Assam Cop Denied Leave Extension, Forced To Bring Seven Month Old Child To Work

In the Cachar district of Assam, a woman police constable earns herself praise after being seen carrying her seven-month-old child to her workplace.  

Deputed in Silchar PI Court in Assam’s Cachar district, Sanchita Rani Roy was seen walking into her office with her child warmed into a carrier around herself. With her maternity leave being over, Roy reaches the office with her child at 10.30 AM each morning and only leaves the office after completing her assigned work for that day. 

The 27-year-old cop said that there is no one back at her home to nurse and look after the child. Roy said, “I have no one at home to take care of my baby so I am forced to bring her along with me,” adding, “It gets uncomfortable at times but I have no other option.” As per reports, her request for a leave extension was denied by her seniors. 

Her husband, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is reportedly posted outside Assam. As a resident of Silchar’s Malugram area, Roy expressed her gratefulness to her colleagues and the police department for their support, understanding and for being accommodating. 

Reportedly, she leaves a little early as it gets very difficult for the child to be with her throughout the day. While Roy earned herself applause and ovation from all quarters for her dedication to her duties, one should also take note that she does not have any other option. Many women like Roy are forced to choose between career and motherhood and the lack of support makes it difficult for them to carry on with both together. 

Assam woman cop carries child to work:

Domestic duties apart from childcare, include women working with in-laws and not taking up jobs. Women living in joint families are significantly less likely to participate in the household labour market. 

Suggested Reading: Maternity Leave Policy In India: How Helpful Is It To Working Women?

The Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017, passed by the Rajya Sabha in August 2016, has also been passed by the Lok Sabha in March 2017. According to its provisions, maternity leave is raised from the current 12 weeks to 26 weeks. The parental leave is also extended from six to eight weeks. However women with already two children can get a period of 12 weeks of maternity leave.

Women civil servants are entitled to a period of 180 days of maternity leave for their firstborn children. The main aim of the act is to regulate the employment of women during the period of childbirth. Despite amending its provisions related to the duration and applicability of maternity leave, Assam’s Roy has to carry her baby to work daily. The work culture of today demands women to stay competitive and always dealing with challenges.

Feature Image Credit: NDTV.