Govt Extends Maternity Benefits to Women with Surrogacy-Born Children

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th June.  The Central Government has revised the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, to grant maternity benefits to women government employees who have children through surrogacy. The amendments, announced by the Personnel Ministry, allow “commissioning mothers” – intending mothers of children born through surrogacy – to avail 180 days of maternity leave.

Previously, there were no provisions for maternity leave in such cases, highlighting a significant step towards recognizing diverse family structures and ensuring equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

Additionally, under the amended rules effective from June 18, 2024, “commissioning fathers” are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave within six months from the date of the child’s birth. This provision aims to support fathers in their early parenting responsibilities.

Furthermore, the changes include child care leave for “commissioning mothers” with less than two surviving children, extending support beyond maternity leave for child upbringing. This move reflects the government’s commitment to promoting work-life balance and gender equity in the civil services.

The rules clarify that “surrogate mother” refers to the woman who bears the child on behalf of the commissioning mother, while “commissioning father” pertains to the intending father of the child born through surrogacy.

These amendments mark a progressive step in aligning government policies with evolving societal norms and ensuring welfare measures cater to the diverse needs of its employees.