The Central government has decided to provide a special maternity leave of 60 days to women employees in case of the immediate death of a child. This leave will be in addition to the maternity leave available to pregnant women.
The decision will be applicable to all ministries, public sector undertakings and companies of the Central government.
Advertisement
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued the orders in this regard. Under this, the Railway Board has implemented the above rule in Indian Railways on November 7, 2022. In a directive issued to all zonal railways, the Railway Board has said that 60 days of special maternity leave has been started for women employees in case of immediate death of a child after birth or stillbirth.
Advertisement
These provisions are being adopted for railway employees. In the event of a stillbirth or immediate death of the child after birth, the woman is emotionally traumatized which has a far-reaching effect on the life of the mother?
The mothers need a break to deal with the trauma. If she (female employee) has already availed maternity leave and her leave continues till the date of death of the child immediately after the birth, the maternity leave availed earlier till the death of the child shall be carried forward to her without seeking any medical certificate. Leave of any other kind available in the leave account shall be converted.
And immediate death of the child after birth will be provided special maternity leave of 60 days from the date of delivery. The New Testament defines postnatal infant death as occurring up to 28 days after birth.
Advertisement
