Odisha Government Issues Clear Guidelines on Maternity Leave for Women Employees

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to eliminate confusion surrounding maternity leave entitlements, the Odisha government has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for women government employees. Approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the new framework clearly outlines eligibility criteria, duration, and conditions under which maternity leave can be availed, including special cases such as joining service post-delivery or in the event of child loss.

Under the existing rules, women government employees are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave for up to two surviving children. However, lack of clarity on the timing and conditions for availing this leave had led to widespread confusion. The new guidelines now aim to ensure uniformity and transparency in granting maternity leave.

Key Highlights of the Revised Maternity Leave Policy:

1. Defined Eligibility Window:
   Maternity leave of 180 days can now be availed any time between three months before the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) and six months after childbirth.
2. Post-Delivery Recruitment Cases:
   Women who join government service after delivering a child are also eligible for maternity leave, provided the child is below six months of age. The leave duration in such cases will be adjusted proportionately, based on the age of the child at the time of joining.
3. Provisions for Miscarriage or Infant Loss:
   • In the case of a miscarriage, stillbirth (after 28 weeks), or the death of a newborn within 28 days of birth, 42 days of maternity leave will be granted from the date of the incident.
   • If a child dies between 29 and 120 days after birth, the mother will be entitled to 14 days of maternity leave starting from the date of the child’s death. This leave will be granted separately if the original maternity leave has already concluded.

The Chief Minister’s Office emphasized that the newly issued guidelines are designed to support women employees during critical periods of motherhood, especially in complex and emotionally challenging circumstances. The government hopes this clarity will bring relief to many women navigating maternity while in public service.

With this decision, Odisha joins a growing list of states that are taking proactive steps to strengthen employee welfare and ensure a more compassionate work environment for women.