I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're facing. Let's explore some possible options for you:
1️⃣ Review of Rejection: You can write to your superior officer or the HR department requesting a reconsideration of your application. Explain your situation clearly and ask them to consider your personal circumstances.
2️⃣ Legal Rights: According to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, a woman is entitled to a maximum of 26 weeks of maternity leave. After that, as per Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, a woman government servant having minor children may be granted child care leave for a maximum period of two years (i.e. 730 days) during her entire service. However, the decision to grant child care leave is at the discretion of the employer.
3️⃣ Legal Help: If you feel your rights are being violated, you can seek legal advice. There are many lawyers and legal aid organizations that can help you understand your options and potentially help you challenge your employer's decision.
4️⃣ Part-time Care: In case your leave request doesn't get approved, you might want to consider looking for part-time help. Although a full-time caretaker is expensive, part-time help might be more affordable.
5️⃣ Flexible Work Hours: You can also request a change in your work hours or ask for the possibility of working from home. This depends on your job nature, but it's worth asking about.
6️⃣ Support from Family/Friends: You might want to ask family or friends for help. They could possibly look after your child for a few hours a day, which could reduce the need for a full-time caretaker.
Remember, it's important to keep all communication with your employer in writing for future references. I hope these steps help you navigate this difficult situation. 🛤️🤞