Kerala: Women cry foul over ban on tagging children to offices

KOZHIKODE: The State Human Rights Commission’s recent  order banning the practice of government employees bringing  their children to the offices to take care of them has triggered a controversy  with the majority of working women opposing the order.   The rights panel had issued the order on April 4 based on a complaint filed by activist Shefin Kavadiyar against  the  practice saying that it affected the functioning of government offices. The commission has given time till May to implement the order.

Women employees say that working parents will find it difficult to manage their wards,   especially during vacation time, if the  order is implemented.    The panel should have first directed the government to ensure crèches in offices, they say.
“Leaving a small child alone at home will create a more serious human rights issue than what is said  in the circular,” said an employee of Calicut University who preferred anonymity.

As per the circular, children brought to the offices can hinder the staff from discharging their duties to the common people.   Children use  government file boards and papers,  tables and computers allotted for the officers. “We will welcome the circular if the government will find  a solution like starting a crèche in  the office compound as many  IT firms do. It will be difficult for us to abide by the rule otherwise,” P. Padmaja, a school teacher from Malappuram said.