Sikkim Government Expands Maternity and Child Care Leave for Female Employees

The Government of Sikkim has made significant updates to the Sikkim Government Service (Leave) Rules, 1982, offering improved maternity and child care leave provisions for female government employees.

Under the new amendments, female employees can now avail themselves of 180 days of fully paid maternity leave, with the option to take up to 60 days prior to childbirth. Additionally, women with children under the age of 18 can access up to 180 days of fully paid child care leave to address various needs, such as education, illness, and caregiving responsibilities.

These changes bring several benefits, including paid leave during child care leave without any prior engagement, no deduction from the Leave Account for child care leave, and the ability to take leave in three separate periods until the child reaches 18 years of age.

This initiative aims to support working mothers by providing them with adequate time for both maternity and child care without the worry of financial strain. It is expected to provide considerable assistance to female employees in balancing their professional and family commitments.

The notification, issued in the name of the Governor, was signed by Thinley P. Chankapa, Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel, Government of Sikkim.