Sikkim announces 12-month maternity, 1-month paternity leaves for government employees
What's the story
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that his government will implement a 12-month maternity leave and a one-month paternity leave for its employees. He emphasized that this initiative aims to support government employees in providing better care for their children and families. Further details regarding the implementation of these leaves will be notified shortly.
SSCSOA
'Civil service officers backbone of state administration': CM Tamang
During the annual general meeting of the Sikkim State Civil Service Officers' Association (SSCSOA), CM Tamang acknowledged the officers as the "backbone of the state administration," commending their contributions to the state's growth. He also highlighted the efforts to streamline their promotion process, resulting in better growth. The chief minister congratulated the new IAS and SCS officers and wished them success in their careers.
Maternity leaves
Currently, women are entitled to 6-month maternity leave
According to the Indian Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, new mothers have the right to avail six months or 26 weeks of paid leave for their first two children. For subsequent children, they can take three months or 12 weeks of fully paid leave. The Act also extends the same benefits to commissioning, surrogate mothers, and those who have adopted children.
Paternity leaves
Men are entitled to 15-days of paternity leave
As per the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rule 551 (A) of 1972, male government employees with less than two children can take paternity leave for 15 days. They can use this leave before or up to 6 months from the birth of the child. However, it's essential to know that there is no specific rule for paternity leave in the private sector.
Population
Sikkim's dwindling population
Earlier this year in January, Sikkim's CM expressed concern about the declining population of the state. The fertility rate has dropped significantly to one child per woman in recent years, making Sikkim the least populated state in India with an estimated population of 6.32 lakh. To address this issue, CM Tamang emphasized the importance of "incentivizing" the local people to "produce more children."