TN Extends Maternity Leave to 365 Days for Third Child of Women Govt Employees

The Tamil Nadu government has announced an increase in maternity leave for women government employees from 12 weeks to 365 days for their third child. The decision was announced by Minister for Human Resources Management D. Sarathkumar in the State Assembly on Tuesday.

Currently, women government employees are entitled to 365 days of maternity leave for their first two children, while those with more than two children receive only 12 weeks. The new policy will bring parity for the third child, offering the same extended leave period.

The Minister also outlined several other initiatives during his departmental announcements. A mobile application named 'Vetri Paathai' (Path to Success) will be developed at a cost of ₹20 lakh to assist students preparing for competitive examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), and other central and state recruitment bodies.

In addition, a new building will be constructed at the TNPSC headquarters at an estimated cost of ₹12.5 crore. A CCTV surveillance system will be installed at the Tamil Nadu Information Commission with an allocation of ₹10 lakh. The Government Training Institute at Bhavanisagar will receive a new computer laboratory equipped with modern infrastructure, funded at ₹1 crore, and sports facilities will be developed at the centre at a cost of ₹2.25 crore to promote a healthy environment for trainees.

Under the 'Simple Governance' initiative, the government plans to offer 150 services through a streamlined process this financial year, aiming to improve administrative efficiency and citizen convenience.

During his address, Mr. Sarathkumar also referenced several films starring Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and referred to him as 'the Prime Minister of tomorrow'. These remarks, while personal in nature, were part of the Minister's introductory statement in the Assembly.

The announcement on maternity leave is seen as a progressive step towards supporting women in government service, particularly in balancing career and family responsibilities. The extended leave for the third child is expected to benefit many employees and reflects a policy of inclusive workplace support.