Navigating Maternity Leave for State Government Employees: What Are the Options?

I am working in a state government office. From last year, one of my colleagues wants to avail maternity leave as she is pregnant.

1. Total how many days is she eligible for if she undergoes surgery?
2. How many days are allowed for a normal delivery?
3. If she faces any issues after joining, how many days can she extend her leave?

Please explain if any points have been missed out.

Regards,
Vijayalakshmi J

Understanding Maternity Leave for Government Employees

The government employees are governed by their service rules. You need to check the Central Civil Service Rules or the service rules of the state concerned, depending upon which government employee the woman is, as government employees are neither covered by the ESI Act nor the Maternity Benefit Act. Other views are welcome.

However, the Maternity Benefit Act was amended in 2017, enhancing maternity leave (benefit) from 12 weeks to 26 weeks in the case of a woman with less than two surviving children. Other views are welcome.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Relations Adviser
Navi Mumbai