KalimNews, February 15, 2025 : In a progressive move aimed at enhancing support for working women, the Sikkim government has introduced a major revision to its service leave policies. The updated rules, announced on February 15, offer female government employees 180 days of fully paid maternity leave.
Under the revised regulations, women can now avail themselves of maternity leave for a total of 180 days, with the flexibility to take up to 60 days before the expected delivery date. This extension is intended to provide additional support during the final stages of pregnancy, giving women more time to manage both their health and work responsibilities.
Alongside the extended maternity leave, the Sikkim government has also introduced a new provision allowing female employees with children under 18 years of age to apply for up to 180 days of fully paid child care leave. This leave can be used for a variety of child-related needs, including education, illness, or caregiving, and can be taken in up to three separate periods. The new rule is designed to offer greater flexibility to working mothers, enabling them to balance family life with their professional duties.
Both maternity and child care leaves will be granted with full pay, with no deductions from the employee’s leave account. This ensures that women can take time off without facing financial difficulties, making it easier for them to manage their family obligations.
The change in policy was formalized through a notification signed by Thinley P. Chankapa, Additional Secretary of the Department of Personnel, and issued in the name of the Governor. This amendment builds on a previous change made in September 2022, which allowed for 365 days of maternity leave under specific conditions, such as when maternity leave had started before the new rules were implemented or if the child was under 12 months old.
Through these new regulations, the Sikkim government has taken a significant step toward creating a more supportive environment for female employees, setting a strong example for other regions in the country to follow.
