Madhya Pradesh Removes Two-Child Norm for Government Jobs

Madhya Pradesh withdrew the two-child norm for eligibility in government jobs and for serving employees in June 2026. The state government ordered the General Administration Department to remove the draft provision from the proposed civil services rules.

Two-Child Norm in Service Rules

The two-child norm is a service-condition rule that restricts eligibility for public employment on the basis of the number of living children. In Madhya Pradesh, the earlier provision made candidates with more than two children born on or after 26 January 2001 ineligible for government service.

Background of the 2001 Provision

The rule was introduced in 2001 under the Digvijaya Singh-led Congress government. Under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, having a third child was treated as an act of indiscipline for serving government employees, and departmental action could follow.

Administrative Action and Rule Revision

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed the General Administration Department to withdraw the old draft from the official portal and publish a revised version of the rules. The revised order removed the draft restriction from the proposed civil services rules.

Effect on Employees and Aspirants

The change affects government employees and job aspirants who were covered by the two-child condition. The state estimated that about 30,000 teachers had faced the risk of job loss under the rule.

Retrospective Effect

The government stated that the withdrawal will not operate retrospectively. Employees dismissed under the two-child rule before the order will not be reinstated.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, govern conduct-related provisions for state government employees.
• The two-child norm in Madhya Pradesh was linked to eligibility for government service and disciplinary action.
• 26 January 2001 is the cut-off date mentioned in the earlier rule for children born after that date.
• General Administration Department is the state department that handles service-rule matters in Madhya Pradesh.