Tamil Nadu Government Employees to Get 365 Days Maternity Leave for Third Child

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced that women government employees will be eligible for 365 days of maternity leave for the birth of a third child, bringing the benefit on par with the maternity leave provided for the first two children.

The announcement was made on Monday during the demands for grants for the Human Resources Management Department. The move is aimed at strengthening the state`s welfare measures and supporting women`s empowerment.

Third-Child Maternity Leave Increased to 365 Days

At present, regular women government employees with fewer than two surviving children are eligible for 365 days of maternity leave.

However, employees with two or more surviving children are currently entitled to only 12 weeks, or 84 days, of maternity leave with full pay.

Under the latest announcement, maternity leave for the third child will be increased from 12 weeks to 365 days.

Minister D Sarath Kumar said the decision reflects the Tamil Nadu government`s focus on social welfare and women`s empowerment.

Tamil Nadu Maternity Leave Rules

The maternity leave provision for women government employees has been gradually increased over the years.

The original 90-day maternity leave was increased to six months in 2011. It was subsequently extended to nine months in 2016 and then increased to one year, or 365 days, in July 2021.

Under the existing eligibility framework, the 365-day maternity leave benefit applies to regular women state government employees with fewer than two surviving children.

12-Week Provision for Employees With Two or More Children

Government sources said that, under the existing rules, employees with two or more surviving children continue to be entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave with full pay.

The latest announcement will change this provision for employees having a third child, allowing them to receive 365 days of maternity leave.

A senior government official said a detailed Government Order (GO) will be issued soon to formally implement the announcement made in the Assembly.

Maternity Leave and Women`s Welfare

The Tamil Nadu government`s decision is expected to provide greater maternity support to women working in the state government sector.

By extending the 365-day maternity leave benefit to the third child, the government aims to provide greater support for women employees while strengthening its focus on women`s welfare and social welfare measures.