Implementation of the provisions of Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 to the Women Central Government Employees (DoPT) – Agenda Item No. NC-49/3/26 – 49th NC (JCM) Meeting
(DoP&T O.M. No. 3/1/2025-JCA dated 03.06.2026)
Minutes of the 49th Meeting of the National Council (JCM) held on 11.05.2026 under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary.
5.23 Item No. NC-49/13/26: Implementation of the provisions of Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 to the Women Central Government Employees (DoPT)
The demand in brief is that Maternity Leave to a women employee is available to women having 2 or more than 2 surviving children under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. DoPT should issue instructions extending maternity leave benefit to women employees having.2 or more than 2 surviving children.
Secretary, DoPT informed that the subject matter pertains to two different rules which have different provisions with respect to maternity and related benefits. The benefits under both are different and cannot be compared.
Decision: Chairman observed that Government employees are governed by CCS(Leave) rules which have wider provisions and in fact more benefits for maternity, child care, etc. They are in line with the two-child norms of Government. They cannot be compared with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. In view of the above, the issue may be treated as closed.
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