Bhubaneswar, May 21: The Odisha government has introduced clear guidelines regarding maternity leave for female government employees, resolving previous ambiguities and ensuring a structured approach to leave eligibility.

Under the revised policy, women employees can avail 180 days of maternity leave, applicable for up to two surviving children. The leave can be taken three months before the expected delivery date (EDD) and within six months after childbirth. Employees can opt for continuous leave or split it into multiple phases.

Additionally, the government has addressed concerns regarding maternity leave eligibility for women who were not in service at the time of childbirth. Such employees can now apply for maternity leave until their child reaches six months of age, though the total leave duration may be less than 180 days.

Special Provisions for Miscarriage and Infant Loss

The new policy also includes provisions for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death:

- If a miscarriage or stillbirth occurs after 28 weeks of pregnancy, the employee is entitled to 42 days of maternity leave.
- If a newborn dies within 28 days of birth, the mother can avail 42 days of leave.
- If the child passes away between 29 and 120 days after birth, the employee is eligible for 14 days of special maternity leave.

Examples of Maternity Leave Eligibility

Example 1: A female government employee has an expected delivery date (EDD) of June 30, 2025. Due to medical complications, she starts her maternity leave three months before EDD, on April 1, 2025. If she experiences a stillbirth on June 1, 2025, she will be eligible for 42 days of maternity leave from that date, meaning her leave will extend until July 12, 2025.

Example 2: A female government employee delivers a child on April 1, 2025. If the newborn passes away on April 28, 2025, she will be entitled to 42 days of maternity leave from that date, extending until June 8, 2025.

Example 3: A female government employee delivers a child on April 1, 2025. If the newborn dies on May 1, 2025 (i.e., 28 days after birth), she will be eligible for 14 days of maternity leave from that date, extending until May 14, 2025.

Example 4: A female government employee starts her maternity leave on January 31, 2025, with an EDD of April 1, 2025. If her newborn dies on July 29, 2025 (i.e., 120 days after birth), she will be eligible for 14 days of maternity leave from that date, extending until August 12, 2025.

Example 5: A female government employee takes six months of maternity leave from February 7, 2025, to August 5, 2025, with an EDD of April 1, 2025. If her newborn dies on July 29, 2025 (i.e., 120 days after birth), she will be eligible for 14 additional days of maternity leave, extending until August 12, 2025. In this case, her total maternity leave duration will be 187 days.

Additional Guidelines

- Maternity leave is granted only to female government employees with up to two surviving children.
- Childbirth must occur in a recognised medical institution.
- If a female government employee is promoted during maternity leave, her promotion will be considered effective from the date her acceptance report is received.
- Maternity leave can be taken continuously or in multiple phases.

Chief Minister’s Approval

The policy, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to provide clarity and support to women employees facing complex maternity-related situations. The government hopes this decision will enhance work-life balance and ensure better maternal care for female employees.

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