Tamil Nadu Extends Maternity Leave for Third Child

Tamil Nadu announced 365 days of maternity leave for women state government employees for a third child. The policy applies to women government employees in the Tamil Nadu state service and gives the same leave period as the first two deliveries.

Maternity Leave Provision in Tamil Nadu

The revised benefit increases leave for a third child from 12 weeks, or 84 days, to 365 days with full pay. The announcement was made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai during the demand for grants discussion for the Human Resources Management Department.

Fundamental Rule 101(A) and Earlier Restriction

The change reverses a March 2026 amendment to Fundamental Rule 101(A). That amendment had limited maternity leave for a third child to 12 weeks after a Supreme Court directive, and the Madras High Court upheld the restriction in June 2026.

Demographic Context in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a Total Fertility Rate below 1.4, while the replacement level is 2.1. Nearly 16 per cent of the population in the state is above 60 years of age.

Important Facts for Exams

• Fundamental Rule 101(A) is a service rule used for leave-related provisions for government employees.
• 365 days equal one full year, while 12 weeks equal 84 days.
• The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly sits in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
• The replacement fertility rate of 2.1 is the standard demographic benchmark for population replacement.

Assembly Response and Implementation

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam raised objections in the Assembly on the policy change. A detailed government order is expected to be issued for formal implementation.