Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday granted approval for the grant of maternity leave for 180 days to women staff with fewer than two surviving children, appointed on a co-terminus basis in the office of the chief minister, deputy chief minister, ministers, leader of opposition, and advocate general, and other dignitaries to whom the status of cabinet ministers was conferred.During such leave, such co-terminus staff will be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.
In case of termination of such women co-terminus staff for any reason whatsoever, the balance maternity leave standing to the credit of such staff will lapse. The benefits to the co-terminus staff will be made effective from Oct 1, 2025.The cabinet said that the advocate general forwarded a representation of a co-terminus staff member (female) appointed in his office, requesting the grant of 180 days’ maternity leave with effect from Oct 14, 2025. The same was also recommended by the advocate general.The cabinet said that the earlier proposal for the grant of the benefit of maternity leave for 180 days, as governed under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, to the co-terminus staff was moved in consultation with the personnel department.The present proposal does not grant any additional benefits as compared to the earlier proposal recommended by Personnel Department, but only rationalises theframework governing maternity leave for co-terminus staff.
