Karnataka State Road Transport Company (KSRTC) has taken a decision to allow women who adopt up to 180 days of maternity leave. Earlier this option was available only to biological mothers and has been extended to women who adopt as well.
The decision was announced by KSRTC Managing Director Shivayogi Kalasad. In February 2020, KSRTC had announced 180 days of maternity leave for their female staff and 15 days of paternity leave for their male staff. Recently, the facility got extended to adoptive parents too.
According to their policy, a woman who has adopted a child can avail the leave within one year of adoption, or before the child turns one. The decision has been taken as per the state government’s directive to prevent discrimination against adoptive parents, and for them to be treated on par with biological ones.
However, this option is not available for women who already have two surviving children.
“We’re following the state government’s order to treat adoptive parents on par with biological parents,” said a KSRTC official. “Being a transport employee is a stressful life. It’s a good move and benefits several women. Paternity leave should also be provided to male employees,” stated a lady worker of KSRTC.