Hameed calls for workplace flexibility for parents of children of certain ages

Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed from ruling PNC, on Wednesday, stated that parents of children in certain age groups should be provided with flexible working arrangements.

Speaking during the debate on amendments to the Education Act proposed by ruling PNC’s Huraa MP Dr. Anara Naeem, which include provisions for homeschooling, Hameed highlighted that many students are currently missing out on formal education due to various challenges in attending school.

Hameed expressed concern that some parents believe their responsibilities end once they drop their children off at school or collect them afterwards. He argued that meaningful improvements to the education system would be difficult as long as this mindset persists. He also noted that many parents have become so occupied with work that they are unable to monitor their children’s sleeping habits or activities at home.

"Professional commitments should not become an obstacle to our children's upbringing and education. Therefore, as we discuss reforming the education system, it is essential to consider facilitating flexible working arrangements for parents of children in certain age groups," Hameed said.

He explained that the aim is to prevent children from being left unsupervised at home, particularly in an era of unrestricted internet access, while enabling parents to pay greater attention to their children’s character development and psychological well-being.

Hameed’s remarks come as certain flexible working arrangements are already available to civil servants. These include a 30-minute grace period for reporting to work under special circumstances and provisions for remote work during emergencies. In addition, the Employment Act requires employers to provide employees returning from maternity leave with two 30-minute nursing breaks each day, without any deduction in pay, until their child reaches one year of age.