Noble step by Flipkart to increase adoption rates in the country

After taking extra care of expecting mothers and would-be-fathers, eCommerce major Flipkart is now offering an allowance of Rs 50,000 to employees looking to adopt children.

The "adoption allowance", effective July 10, can be used towards legal, agency, regulatory costs or any other expenses that may arise during the adoption process, a Flipkart spokesperson told PTI.

Flipkart took this decision to increase India’s adoption rates which have been dismal though India has one of the largest population of children who are abandoned, deserted or are in institutional care.

According to the new policy, Flipkart will allow its female employees adopting a child below the age of 12 months the same benefits as under maternity leave policy, i.e., six months paid leave along with four months of flexible working hours.

For children aged over a year, the employee can avail three months paid leave and four months of flexible working hours, the spokesperson said.

The male employees can avail up to six months of paid adoption leave (can be availed within the first six months) and four months of flexible working hours.

"If the employee is looking at extending their adoption leaves, but they don't have enough leaves left, they can take unpaid leave for up to three months and continuity on the same job is assured," the spokesperson said.

Previously, Flipkart relaxed its maternity and paternity policies for the conveniences of its employees.

(Image credits: wikipedia)