Government Maternity Leave Clarified

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has finally put to rest the confusion surrounding maternity leave for its women employees. The government has fixed specific rules for granting 180 days of maternity leave, bringing relief to women employees.

According to the new guidelines, a woman government employee can take maternity leave of 180 days between three months prior to the expected date of delivery and six months after the date of delivery. The leave can be availed continuously or in different stages, provided the childbirth takes place in a recognized hospital.

The government has also clarified the rules for women employees who were not in government service at the time of childbirth but joined later. In such cases, the woman employee can take maternity leave after joining government service until her child is six months old, although the leave period may be less than 180 days.

Additionally, specific rules have been framed for taking leave in cases of abortion, stillbirth, or miscarriage. These guidelines aim to provide clarity and support to women government employees during maternity.

The decision has been made after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal, resolving the long-standing dilemma faced by women government employees in availing maternity leave. The new rules are expected to benefit women employees and promote a more supportive work environment.