CM Vijay's Tamil Nadu govt to expand maternity leave from 12 weeks to 365 days for third child

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister Vijay's leadership, has announced an extension of maternity leave for state women employees to 365 days for a third child. This move aligns the state's policy with the leave duration offered for the first two children. Currently, women government employees with less than two surviving children are eligible for one year of maternity leave, while those with two or more surviving children receive up to 12 weeks of leave.

Minister D Sarathkumar emphasized that this policy shift is a part of the state's commitment to social welfare and women's empowerment. The government's focus on these areas has led to the enhancement of maternity leave benefits for women employees. Over the years, the state has gradually increased the maternity leave period, starting from 90 days in 2011, followed by an increase to six months in 2011, nine months in 2016, and 365 days in July 2021 for the first two children.

The latest announcement will ensure that the third child of women government employees also benefits from the same extended leave duration. A detailed government order will be issued soon to implement this policy change.