Tamil Nadu Extends Maternity Leave to 365 Days for Third Child

The government of Tamil Nadu has made a major policy shift with respect to maternity leave, offering women government employees who have had their third baby leave for 365 days as compared to the earlier period of 12 weeks. According to Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar, this decision has been taken by the state government in the context of empowerment of women and social welfare initiatives of the state government. A government order is expected to be released soon explaining the new policy in detail and its implementation along with conditions under which it would apply.

What Has Changed in Tamil Nadu?

As per the present norms, regular women government employees having less than two surviving children can avail themselves of maternity leave for 365 days.

However, women government employees with two or more surviving children can get only 12 weeks’ maternity leave with full salary according to applicable directives and amendments.

What Changes Have Happened in Maternity Leave Scheme?

The maternity leave scheme in Tamil Nadu has witnessed major changes since many years.

• 2011: The number of days of maternity leave was increased from 90 days to six months.
• 2016: Maternity leave was extended to nine months.
• July 2021: It was further increased to 365 days for women employees in the state government with less than two surviving children.
• 2026: Government announced an extension of the third-child maternity leave scheme period from 12 weeks to 365 days.

Thus, the most recent announcement is just another major development in the field of maternity leave benefits for state government employees.

Why Is This Decision Important?

As the government has stated, this is yet another measure under its women empowerment and social welfare program.

Increased maternity leave period can give women employees enough time to take care of themselves and their babies after childbirth without having to join work immediately.

This has come in the backdrop of discussions on maternity leave for working women, following an incident where TVK MLA R Pallavi carried her baby along with her to the Tamil Nadu Assembly grounds during ongoing session.

She faced criticism for her actions and said it was very difficult to leave her baby behind.

When Will the Implementation of the New Policy Begin?

Although the new policy has already been announced in the assembly, the government will be releasing a government order which will spell out the details of the implementation of the updated maternity leave policy.

This order will specify the eligibility requirements for the benefit.