Tamil Nadu; The Tamil August 19 (Patriotic Views) Nadu government has announced that women government employees will now receive 365 days (one year) of maternity leave for the birth of their third child. Earlier, women with two or more surviving children were eligible for only 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave.

The announcement was made by Human Resources Management Minister D. Sarathkumar during the demand for grants in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare and women’s empowerment.

Previously, married women government employees with fewer than two surviving children were entitled to one year of maternity leave, while those with two or more surviving children received only 12 weeks of paid leave. The new decision removes this difference for third-child births.

Tamil Nadu has gradually increased maternity leave benefits over the years. The leave period was 90 days initially, increased to six months in 2011, nine months in 2016, and finally extended to 365 days in 2021 for eligible employees.

The government believes the revised policy will provide greater support to working mothers and promote the well-being of women employees. Detailed implementation of the new rule is expected through an official government order.