State employees who are parents of children under State care to be penalized

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has made the decision to take action against State employees who are parents or guardians of children under State care in “Kudakudhinge Hiyaa” and “Fiyavathi”, and people with special needs under State care in the shelter in K. Guraidhoo whose families have refused to take them back once discharged upon successful completion of the program.

President’s Office reported this Tuesday that a guideline to implement the President’s decision had been sent to Ministry of Gender and Family, and Ministry of Health to enforce the decision.

The guideline states that each case should be examined separately on a case-by-case basis, and that employers should be consulted when taking action against the employee.

Two main courses of action are to be taken:

1. A sum of money deducted from such an employee’s salary and will go towards a bank account in the name of the child or person with special needs placed under state care in Hiyaa/Fiyavathi and K.Guraidhoo Centre respectively.

Children under 18 years of age will only be able to access the funds when they become 18 years of age and if the person is an adult, then utilization of funds is restricted to that person only.

2. If the employee does not agree to this course of action, then the employee will be terminated after ensuring that the legal procedure was followed

President’s Office reports that the two guidelines have to be enacted separately.

Guideline on employment of parents or legal guardians of children placed under State care, employed at State institutions and State-owned enterprises has been enacted pursuant to Article 35(a) of the Constitution and Chapter 1 of Protection of the Rights of the Children Act.

Guideline on employment of children or legal guardians of persons with special needs under State care, employed at State institutions and State-owned enterprises has been enacted pursuant to Article 35(b) of the Constitution and section 57 of Family Act.

President’s Office reports the purpose of the guideline was to hold people who neglect their children, parents, persons with special needs and the elderly accountable for their actions and encourage them to be more responsible towards their duties.