Tamil Nadu gives women govt employees year-long maternity leave for third child

The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced that women state government employees will get 365 days of maternity leave for their third child, up from the existing 12 weeks. Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar made the announcement in the state assembly during the demand for grants for his department. The benefit for the third child is now on par with the one-year leave already available for the first two children.

Under the current rules, women employees with fewer than two surviving children get 365 days of maternity leave. Those with two or more surviving children were entitled to only 12 weeks (84 days) with full pay, in line with Supreme Court directives and subsequent state amendments. The state has gradually increased maternity leave over the years from 90 days to six months in 2011, nine months in 2016, and one year in 2021 for eligible employees.

The Times of India and India Today both report that a detailed government order will be issued soon. India Today adds that the expansion comes amid concern over Tamil Nadu's Total Fertility Rate, which Health Minister KG Arunraj said has fallen below 1.4, well under the replacement level of 2.1. He suggested the government might consider incentives for a third child, similar to schemes reportedly followed in Andhra Pradesh.