Gangtok: In a progressive move to support working mothers, the Sikkim Government Service (Leave) Rules, 1982 have been amended to offer enhanced maternity and child care leave benefits for female employees.
The updated provisions, which were detailed in a notification issued by the Department of Personnel, mark a significant step forward in ensuring better work-life balance for women in the workforce.
The new rules grant maternity leave of up to 180 days on full pay, allowing women to take up to 60 days of leave before childbirth. This extension offers greater flexibility, especially during the final stages of pregnancy.
Additionally, a key change is the introduction of child care leave for female employees with children under 18 years of age. This leave, which can be availed for purposes such as education, sickness, or general caregiving, is now available for up to 180 days, fully paid. It can be taken in three separate spells, providing more flexibility in managing family responsibilities.
One of the key advantages of this amendment is that the child care leave will be granted with full pay and no deductions from the employee’s leave account. This policy ensures that working mothers can manage their parental duties without experiencing financial strain or professional setbacks.
The notification, signed by Thinley P. Chankapa, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel, was issued in the name of the Governor.