The government has taken a revolutionary and historic step towards balancing the health of working women, proper newborn care and the falling birth rate. Making a major amendment in its service rules, the state government has officially announced to give full 365 days i.e. 1 year paid maternity leave to women employees on the birth of their third child. Till now, in most government and private institutions, maternity benefits were limited only to the first two children or the period of leave for the third child was significantly reduced. But after this new policy decision, even after the delivery of the third child, women employees will get the benefit of leave with full salary for one year. Which state took this big decision and what is the reason behind it? This unique and far-reaching decision has been implemented by the Government of Sikkim to tackle the problem of rapidly declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the state. Sikkim is among the few states in the country where the birth rate of the local tribal and indigenous population has fallen far below the national average. In view of the falling graph of population in the census and health survey data, the government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Gole) has implemented 'Pro-natalist Policy' on a large scale. The government believes that working women avoid having more than one or two children due to lack of balance between career and child care. By getting one year leave, they will get a safe environment to expand their family without worrying about their career. Key Highlights of the new maternity leave rules: Under the revised service rules, several special benefits have been added for both male and female categories of employees: 365 days leave on third child: Female employees will be able to take full 1 year (365 days) paid leave on the birth of the third child. During this period, their full monthly salary and regular allowances will continue to be received uninterruptedly. 12 Months Leave for First Two Children: Sikkim already provides 1 year (365 days) maternity leave to female government employees on the birth of the first two living children, which has now been extended to the third child as well. Paternity Leave for Male Employees: 30 days (1 month) paid paternity leave is being provided to male employees to help in the care of new born child and wife. No impact on seniority and promotion: This 1 year leave will be considered as continuous service of the female employee. This will not have any adverse effect on their annual increment or future promotions. Other special financial incentives and benefits on the third child Not just maternity leave, the state government has also introduced additional financial assistance schemes to encourage the birth of the third child: Special Financial Assistance: Women in government service are being given the benefit of one additional increment (Special Increment) on the birth of the second child and two additional increments (Two Increments) on the birth of the third child. Help to non-government and rural women: Women who are not in government service are being provided financial grants and delivery assistance under 'Vatsalya Yojana' and Local Health Mission. IVF Assistance Scheme: For couples facing medical barriers to conceiving a child, the government is providing financial assistance up to ₹3 lakh for IVF treatment in specialized hospitals. How is it different from the Central Maternity Benefit Act of the country? Under the Central 'Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017', working women across India get 26 weeks (about 6 months) of paid leave on the birth of the first two children, while this period reduces to only 12 weeks (about 3 months) on the birth of the third child. This rule of the Sikkim government is more liberal and women-friendly than the central law, as it ensures full 52 weeks (365 days) of full pay leave without any deduction even for the third child. Impact on Society and Women Employees Health experts and sociologists have welcomed the decision. According to baby experts, a baby needs mother's milk and constant care the most in the first year of life. One year maternity leave will not only reduce infant mortality rate (IMR) and malnutrition, but will also help in overcoming postpartum depression in mothers. This unique policy of Sikkim is now being seen as a model policy for other North-Eastern states and areas with low fertility rates also.
