Bengal govt has prioritised welfare of fathers: Mamata
Kolkata: Wishing Fathers' Day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned the priority her government has given on "welfare of fathers", by introducing "paternity-cum-child care leave". In a tweet on Sunday morning, Banerjee stated: "My best wishes to everyone on #FathersDay. Welfare of fathers is also a priority of our Govt."
She further stated in the tweet: "#BengalGovt has been providing Paternity-cum-Child Care Leave for 30 days to male employees of the State Govt, Panchayat & other Local Bodies, Boards, sponsored/non-Govt aided Schools and Colleges, State-aided Universities & Companies, Corporations, Undertakings, etc. since 2016."
It may be recalled that in February 2016, Banerjee had announced the introduction of paternity-cum-child care leave after a cabinet meeting and under it, an employee is entitled to get leave for 30 days to take care of their children. The leave can be taken during the birth of his child or at any time at a stretch up to 18 years of his child's age. It helps the male employees discharge their responsibilities towards their children in a better way.
Most importantly, all the male employees including those working in Panchayats, civic bodies, undertaking companies, corporations, state-aided universities, colleges and state-aided schools and colleges, are entitled to get the leave.
It may be mentioned that Bengal is the state where the tenure of the paternity-cum-child care leave is 30 long days and one can take the leave up to the age of 18 years of his child, which is hardly possible in any other part of the state.
It may be mentioned that besides the men employees, the Mamata Banerjee government has also taken several steps for women employees.
On Sunday, the Chief Minister also tweeted: "Today is celebrated as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Caring for the environment in our own little ways can go a long way in preventing desertification. Let us protect our planet and preserve it for our future generations."
It may be mentioned that this comes at the time when the state Agriculture department has also taken steps to check burning of stubble, that remain on agricultural land after the harvest. There are many parts in Bengal where still stalks of crops are burnt.
A massive drive has been taken up to check the same as it harms the fertility of the soil and at the same time, leads to pollution.
The state Agriculture department is distributing leaflets among farmers, to make them aware of its harmful effect and the step has started bearing result as burning of stubble has stopped at many places.
