CM keeps key poll promise of 9-month maternity leave

Making a suo motu announcement in the Assembly, Jayalalithaa said the government employees act as a bridge between people and the government and she had been taking various measures to protect their welfare. She also took credit for doubling maternity leave to six months during her earlier regime in 2011. In fulfilling her poll promise, Jayalalithaa has put the state in the elite league of countries that provide maximum maternity leave to its employees. (See box for info) 

While the government deserves credit for raising the maternity leave cap, which has been welcomed by even Opposition members like Congress MLA S Vijayadharani, it should be noted that the ruling AIADMK might have won more appreciation if only it had factored in the role of the father in child rearing, as has been done by the Centre with its announcement of 15-day paternity leave. 

Echoing the view, Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association President R. Tamilselvi said, “We welcome the announcement, but, this is not sufficient. It appeals to mothers to breastfeed the child for at least a year. Then why just 9 months? It should be increased to one year. The Union government provides two-year childcare leave that could be availed of as piecemeal during their entire service until their children attain 18 years. The same terms should be offered to state government employees. Also, child care is not the preserve of women alone. Men (fathers) also have an equal responsibility. The government should also consider giving paternity leave, like the union government does. Likewise, child lifting and molestation of children of different ages is a serious issue. It is not just about newborns or toddlers, even children older than that are at risk. So the government should provide facilities at workplaces to accommodate their children. After all, women are creating intellectuals, artists and work force for the future,” he added.