AP JAC Women’s Wing Seek 2-Year Childcare Leave

Vijayawada: The AP JAC Amaravati women’s wing resolved to seek two years of childcare leave for women government employees, separate toilets in all government offices and crèches at district headquarters.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted at a state-level conference at Revenue Bhavan here on Sunday.

Ponnuru Vijayalakshmi was elected chairperson and P. Rajani secretary-general for the 2026-2029 term.

AP JAC Amaravati state chairman Bopparaju Venkateswarlu said the organisation would strengthen its women’s wing to protect employees’ rights, address grievances and promote empowerment.

A 21-member state committee was constituted, with representation equal to that of the men’s wing for the first time in the history of state employees’ unions.

Secretary-general Palisetti Damodara Rao credited women employees with playing a key role in agitations seeking two dearness allowance instalments, the 12th Pay Revision Commission, restoration of additional pension benefits and implementation of the employees’ health scheme.

Vijayalakshmi and Rajani said the wing had helped secure orders allowing women employees to use their existing six months of childcare leave anytime before retirement.

They would now seek two years of leave on a par with Central government employees.

The resolutions also seek equal representation for women in committees at state, district and divisional levels, separate toilets in government offices and crèches in district office complexes, similar to the Secretariat facility.

Associate chairman T.V. Phani Perraju said women’s committees would be strengthened to promote leadership and decision-making.

Five co-chairpersons, five vice-chairpersons and five secretaries were also appointed.

Representatives from 28 districts attended.