Tamil Nadu Extends Maternity Leave for Third Child to One Year

The Government of Tamil Nadu has extended paid maternity leave for female state government employees to 365 days for the birth of a third child. Previously, employees received one year of paid leave for their first two surviving children but only 12 weeks for a third. Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar announced the change during a state Assembly debate, framing the move as a measure for social welfare and women's empowerment under the administration of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The policy shift reverses a restriction in Fundamental Rule 101(A) previously upheld by the Madras High Court in June. It follows a May 2025 Supreme Court of India judgment ruling that maternity benefits cannot be denied based on the number of children. Health Minister K G Arunraj linked the decision to demographic challenges, noting that the state's total fertility rate has fallen below 1.4, well under the 2.1 replacement level, while 16% of the population is aged 60 or older.

The announcement coincided with other healthcare investments, including 351 crore for medical and nursing education and a new 400-bed hospital in Perambalur. However, the maternity policy drew criticism from political opponents. Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram and DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan argued that the government should not encourage third children, suggesting the move contradicts the state's successful history of adhering to a two-child norm.