The Tamil Nadu government has decided to extend maternity leave for its women employees when they have a third child. Until now, the leave period for the third child was only 12 weeks. With the new rule, it will be increased to 365 days, the same as what is already given for the first two children.
Currently, women government staff with fewer than two surviving children are eligible for one year of maternity leave. Those with two or more surviving children were limited to 12 weeks. The new decision removes this difference and gives equal benefit for the third child as well.
The announcement was reportedly made in the state Assembly by the Human Resources Management Minister, who explained that the change is part of the government’s welfare and women empowerment focus. A detailed government order will be issued soon to put the decision into effect.
Tamil Nadu has gradually increased maternity leave over the years. It was originally 90 days, then extended to six months in 2011, nine months in 2016, and finally one year in 2021. The latest move continues this trend of expanding support for working mothers.
Officials said the change is also in line with court directives and amendments made earlier, which had kept the benefit restricted for women with more than two children. Now, the government wants to ensure that women are not left without adequate support when they have a third child.
This step is seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s broader welfare approach, aiming to strengthen social security for women employees and make the workplace more supportive of family needs.
