A new benefit of aggregate two years of paid leave that central government's women employees may avail to take care of their minor children will be limited to only the first two children and not for the third or fourth child, the government clarified through a notification.

In addition to the maternity leave that was raised from 135 to 180 days on the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission, the women employees are now entitled for 'Child care leave' for a maximum period of two years, that is 730 days, during their entire tenure, to attend to the needs of two children below the age of 18 years during examination or illness.

This new paid leave can be availed of in more than one spell but limited to a maximum of 730 days. The notification says the 'Child care leave' may also be allowed for the third year "as leave not due, without production of medical certificate", and may be combined with "leave of the kind due and admissible".

The provisions have been made by amending the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, which provides for maintaining the leave account  in the service book of the woman employee.

"Leave of the kind due and admissible (including commuted leave for a period not exceeding 60 days and leave not due) that can be granted in continuation with Maternity Leave provided in Rule 43(4)(b) shall be increased to two years," says the amendment.

It makes it clear that the 'Child care leave' shall not be admissible if the child is 18 years or older.