Haryana: Deaf Woman Not Given Maternity Leave
In Haryana a school did not give a Deaf woman maternity leave. For the entire story, click here.
ML stands for Maternity Leave. It is a 6 month paid leave given to women working in private and government establishments. Leave taken during pregnancy or for delivery is not considered maternity leave. Leave after the delivery is called as Maternity leave. Everyone is aware about this. But in Haryana's Karnal in a government deaf school a government employed Deaf teacher delivered a baby in December 2020. She asked the Principal for her 6 months maternity leave. The principal refused saying that only 3 months would be given after which she has to resume duty. The lady was shocked but had to give in to the Principal's orders. She had always heard that maternity leave was for 6 months but wondered why she was only given 3 months. She let go of the issue and resumed office after 3 months of delivery. One other Deaf person, Sonu Verma - sign name - is the President of the Deaf Government Employee Welfare Association.
Verma working in ITI and the deaf lady lived in the same locality. The lady met Verma and informed him that she was given on 3 months maternity leave. Verma said that the rule is of 6 months and offered to help her. Along with all the legal documents and a letter from the association requesting the school to increase the Deaf woman's maternity leave to 6 months on humanitarian grounds. The Principal refused to accept the letter from the association as it was an internal matter. Principal said that their decision is final. The Deaf lady was devastated by their blatant refusal and went back to Verma. Sonu Verma then wrote a letter to the Haryana Governor who was also the head of the school.
He explained the situation and told them to not oppress the Deaf by giving 3 month maternity leave. He stated the law says ML should be for 6 months. However, there was no response from them. They then wrote to the State Disability Commissioner of Haryana. The Disabilty Commissioner replied and even agreed to the request. The State Disability Commissioner's name is Raj Kumar Makkad & he presides over the State Disability Commissioner Court. In a letter the commissioner ordered that the lady be given 3 more months of maternity leave. He also reprimanded the principal for manipulating the leave rules when it is the government who pays the salary.
Sonu said the school did not allow him to interfere saying it is an internal matter, but then who will help the Deaf woman? This is why Sonu intervened to get her justice. The judge ruled in favour of Verma. The court ordered the school to pay the Deaf lady 3 months salary of about Rs 1.25 lakh and also permit her to avail the 3 month balance leave. The order was to be impemented within 3 months failing which strict action would be taken against the Principal. The Principal panicked and apologized. They agreed to pay the salary and sanctioned the leave. The school promised henceforth they would not discriminate against any person with disabilityand would follow the government rules.
They apologized for their mistake. Verma had won the case. The Deaf lady was happy and thankful to Verma. Hope other Indian Deaf women stand up for their rights which are protected by law.
