Sikkim Government Extends Maternity Leave for Female Employees to 180 Days

GANGTOK: The Sikkim government has declared a major amendment to the Sikkim Government Service (Leave) Rules, 1982, increasing maternity leave for women employees to 180 days. This progressive change is designed to offer greater support to women during and after pregnancy.

According to the amended rules, female workers are granted 180 days of maternity leave that is completely paid, along with the provision to take 60 days of leave before delivery. This change is intended to provide more flexibility for women while they are close to the delivery stage.

Along with the increased maternity leave, the government has also added a new child care leave provision. Women employees with children below the age of 18 years can now take up to 180 days of paid leave for different child-related requirements such as education, sickness, or care. The leave can be taken in three distinct spells so that working mothers can better balance their duties.

Both maternity and child care leave will be completely paid, without any deduction from the leave account of the employee, so that female employees can complete family responsibilities without suffering financially.

The notification announcing these changes was issued by Thinley P. Chankapa, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel, and issued on behalf of the Governor, as a major positive step in the empowerment of working women in Sikkim.

Also Read: Assam Governor Concludes Dima Hasao Visit, Promotes Community Engagement Initiatives

Also Watch: