During the annual general meeting of the Sikkim State Civil Service Officers’ Association (SSCSOA), Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that the government will grant its employees a 12-month maternity leave and one-month paternity leave. To implement this new policy, changes will be made in the service rules. The Chief Minister highlighted that this move is aimed at supporting government employees in taking better care of their children and families. The details of the extended leave benefits will be officially notified soon.
Under the current Maternity Benefit Act 1961, a working woman is entitled to 6 months (26 weeks) of paid maternity leave. However, the Sikkim government’s decision to provide an extended maternity leave of 12 months is a significant enhancement in employee benefits.
Sikkim, being the Himalayan state with the lowest population in India, around 6.32 lakh, is taking this progressive step to improve the welfare of its employees and promote work-life balance. Chief Minister Tamang also acknowledged the crucial role played by civil service officers as the backbone of the state administration, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Sikkim and its people. Furthermore, he mentioned that the promotion process for civil service officers has been streamlined, leading to an increase in the number of promotions and providing more opportunities for career advancement within the government.
