Odisha Government Introduces New Rules Granting 180 Days Maternity Leave for Women Employees

Bhubaneswar, May 21 — The Odisha Government has issued specific rules granting 180 days of maternity leave to women government employees, a move aimed at addressing long-standing issues related to maternity benefits in the state administration. The proposal was approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Under the new rules, women employees with fewer than two living children are entitled to avail up to 180 days of maternity leave. This clarifies earlier ambiguities about the timing and conditions for taking maternity leave, ensuring clearer guidelines for women workers.

A significant provision in the rules addresses women who join government service after childbirth. In such cases, if the child is under six months old at the time of joining, the employee may still receive maternity leave, albeit for fewer than 180 days.

The new rules also provide for maternity leave in cases of miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn. Women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth after 28 weeks of pregnancy will be eligible for 42 days of maternity leave from the date of the incident.

Additionally, if a child dies between 29 and 120 days after birth, the employee is entitled to up to 14 days of special maternity leave from the incident date. If the regular maternity leave has already expired, special leave will still be granted to complete the 14-day period.

Maternity leave eligibility is restricted to women with fewer than two living children, and childbirth must occur in a recognized hospital.

Furthermore, the rules ensure that women promoted during maternity leave will be considered to have joined their new position on the date their joining report is received. Their maternity leave will continue seamlessly in the new role.

This new policy marks a significant step by the Odisha Government to support women employees, promoting a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.