Goa, Aug. 18 -- The Tamil Nadu government announced a major welfare measure on Tuesday, extending a full 365 days of paid maternity leave to female state government employees for the birth of their third child. Under the prior regulatory framework, female government employees were entitled to a year-long (365 days) paid leave for their first two surviving children, while maternity leave for a third child was restricted to 12 weeks (84 days). The new directive removes this distinction, ensuring uniform benefits across three births.

Assembly Announcement Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar unveiled the initiative in the state Assembly during the debate on his department's demand for grants. Addressing the House, Sarathkumar e...