Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves 180-Day Maternity Leave Twice

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a policy on 22 August 2026 that grants female state government employees 180 days of paid maternity leave twice during their service career. The decision also extends the same 180-day leave benefit to adoptive mothers who adopt children.

Maternity Leave Rules in India

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, is a central law that regulates maternity leave and related benefits for women employees in India. The Code on Social Security, 2020, consolidates labour welfare provisions and includes maternity-related entitlements under a broader social security framework.

UP Financial Handbook Amendment

The state cabinet approved an amendment to Rule 153(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Financial Handbook, Volume II, Parts 2 to 4. The amendment removes the earlier rule that required a minimum two-year gap between the first and second maternity leaves.

Judicial Context and Related Cabinet Decisions

The cabinet decision follows judgments delivered by the Lucknow Bench on 14 August 2026 and the Allahabad Bench of the Allahabad High Court on 28 July 2026. These rulings held that state executive rules cannot override the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, or the Code on Social Security, 2020.

On 22 August 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet also cleared the proposal through Cabinet by circulation along with ten other state proposals. The same meeting approved a waiver of stamp duty and registration fees for transferring closed sugar mill lands of Uttar Pradesh State Spinning Company Limited and Uttar Pradesh Yarn Company Limited to the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, is a central legislation applicable to maternity benefits in India.
• The Code on Social Security, 2020, is one of the four labour codes enacted by Parliament.
• Adoptive mothers are covered under maternity-related benefit provisions in Indian labour law.
• Rule 153(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Financial Handbook was amended in this decision.

Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan 2026

The cabinet approved state finance commission funding for the production of one crore flags for the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan 2026 in urban areas. The figure of one crore is equal to 10 million flags.