Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

Universities may soon offer maternity leave to undergrad students

By, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Dec 15, 2021 03:13 AM IST

Women enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes do not currently enjoy such benefits.

Women pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in India may soon be entitled to 240 days of maternity and child care leave, similar to research scholars, once universities frame rules on directions by the country’s higher education regulator.

All higher education institutions have been requested to frame appropriate rules through a letter sent on Tuesday by Rajnish Jain, secretary of the University Grants Commission.(HT File)

All higher education institutions have been requested to frame appropriate rules through a letter sent on Tuesday by Rajnish Jain, secretary of the University Grants Commission.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Women research scholars can take 240 days of maternity leave, according to the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D degrees) Regulations, 2016. “...the women candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave once in the entire duration of M.Phil/Ph.D. for up to 240 days,” reads part of clause 4.4 of the regulation.

“In addition to above (clause 4.4), all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are requested to frame appropriate rules/norms with regard to granting Maternity Leave to the women students enrolled in their respective institution / affiliated Colleges and also provide all relaxations/exemptions relating to attendance, extension in date for submitting examination forms or any other facility deemed necessary for women students pursuing Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,” Jain wrote in his letter.

Women enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes do not currently enjoy such benefits.

“The provision is only available for MPhil and PhD students presently,” said Balaram Pani, dean of collages at Delhi University. “However, it looks like the reform has been introduced in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, since it provides multiple exit and entry options to students. We are yet to seek more clarity over the communication.”

Seema Das, a member of the university’s executive council and professor of political science at Hindu College, and the Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) member Abha Dev Habib welcomed the move, while demanding similar provisions should be extended for the women working as guest teachers.

“This is more beneficial for female students living in rural areas or areas where cases of early marriages are rampant because the age of marriage in urban areas has considerably increased over the years,” Das said.

“However, the UGC should also take steps to extend maternity benefits to women working as guest teachers.”

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP