After denying maternity leave to a medical officer who was working with it on a contract basis, the Delhi Government has finally sanctioned it to her after the National Human Rights Commission intervened in the matter.
The NHRC has also issued a written warning to the Chief District Medical Officer of the Central District for denying maternity leave to the medical officer. Further, the Special Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Delhi Government, has submitted a report in this regard to the Commission in response to summons issued to him.
The medical officer in her complaint to the Commission had submitted that the Directorate of Health Services denied her maternity leave. In response to the Commission’s notice, the Director (Health Services), Delhi Government, submitted a report, which revealed that the medical officer was granted 12 weeks mandatory leave as per Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, only after receiving a notice from the Commission.
The Commission observed that despite having applied for maternity leave well in advance, the leave sanction order was issued more than a month later causing her mental agony and violating her human rights.
The Commission, before proceeding in the matter further, sent a notice to the Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, asking him to enquire into the matter and submit an action taken report failing which he would have to appear before the Commission.
However, when no response came from the officer, the Commission issued a coercive process and directed for his personal appearance on the January 24, 2013, along with the requisite report.
In the mean time, the officer sent an action taken report saying that the Chief District Medical Officer has been issued a warning to be careful in future.
