Maternity Leave is a special type of leave granted to female Haryana Government employees for childbirth, recovery, and postnatal care. It ensures financial security and job protection during the maternity period. The provisions are defined under Rule 44 of Chapter X of the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016.
The rules specify eligibility, leave duration, salary entitlement, and provisions for miscarriage or abortion, ensuring full support to working mothers.
1️⃣ Eligibility for Maternity Leave
- Available only to female government employees appointed on regular basis.
- Temporary and contractual employees are not eligible unless the government specifically extends the benefit by order.
- Maternity leave can be granted for:
- Delivery of a child (normal or cesarean)
- Miscarriage or abortion (under medical advice)
- No restriction on the number of times maternity leave may be taken, but only if medical conditions and service rules permit.
2️⃣ Duration of Maternity Leave (Rule 44)
| Purpose | Duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| For delivery of a child | 6 months (180 days) | Admissible to all female employees, including during the probation period. |
| For miscarriage or abortion | Up to 45 days | Granted on the basis of a medical certificate. Not admissible for threatened abortion. |
Note: This leave is applicable for each confinement. The term “confinement” includes childbirth that results in a living child or stillbirth beyond 26 weeks of pregnancy.
3️⃣ Salary During Maternity Leave
- The employee is entitled to full pay and allowances as if she were on duty.
- Leave salary = Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance + Special Pay (if any).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other admissible allowances continue during maternity leave.
- Leave salary is payable in India in rupees.
4️⃣ Combination with Other Leave
Maternity leave can be combined with other types of leave under the following conditions:
- It may be followed by:
- Earned Leave (EL)
- Half Pay Leave (HPL)
- Commuted Leave
- Extraordinary Leave (EOL)
- If the employee’s health does not permit resumption of duties, she may apply for additional leave on medical grounds supported by a medical certificate.
- Leave of any kind in continuation of maternity leave requires the approval of the competent authority.
5️⃣ Effect on Probation, Seniority, and Increments
- The period of maternity leave counts as **qualifying service** for:
- Annual increments,
- Probation period completion,
- Pension and seniority.
- There is no break in service due to availing maternity leave.
6️⃣ Leave in Case of Miscarriage or Abortion
As per Rule 44:
- Leave up to 45 days may be granted in case of miscarriage, including abortion.
- It requires a medical certificate from a recognized medical authority.
- This leave is not admissible in case of threatened abortion.
7️⃣ Authority Competent to Sanction Maternity Leave
| Category of Employee | Competent Authority | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Group C and D | Head of Office | Up to full period allowed under rules |
| Group A and B | Head of Department / Administrative Department | Full power |
8️⃣ Important Notes and Clarifications
- Maternity leave cannot be refused under normal circumstances if medical or childbirth proof is produced.
- The employee must provide a **medical certificate** or **birth certificate** for record.
- While on maternity leave, the employee cannot undertake any other employment or training.
- Leave salary and service continuity are guaranteed by law.
- If the employee dies during maternity leave, full salary till the date of death is admissible to legal heirs.
9️⃣ Maternity Leave for Teachers and Education Staff
- Teachers and education department employees under the Haryana Government are governed by the same Rule 44.
- Maternity leave counts as qualifying service for vacation and pay benefits.
- If delivery occurs during summer vacation, the period is treated as maternity leave from the date of confinement, not from the start of vacation.
🔟 Summary Table – Maternity Leave at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Female government employees (regular) |
| Leave Duration (Delivery) | 6 months (180 days) |
| Leave Duration (Miscarriage/Abortion) | Up to 45 days |
| Salary During Leave | Full Pay + DA + Allowances |
| Combination with Other Leave | Allowed with EL, HPL, EOL, etc. |
| Counts for Service Benefits | Yes – increments, pension, and seniority |
| Rule Reference | Rule 44, Chapter X, HCS (Leave) Rules, 2016 |
FAQs on Maternity Leave – Haryana Government Employees
1. How many months of maternity leave are allowed in Haryana Government?
Six months (180 days) are allowed for each confinement, as per Rule 44 of HCS (Leave) Rules, 2016.
2. Is full salary paid during maternity leave?
Yes, the employee receives full pay and allowances as if she were on duty.
3. Can maternity leave be extended?
Yes, it can be extended by combining with Earned Leave, Half Pay Leave, or Extraordinary Leave on medical grounds.
4. Is maternity leave applicable to probationers?
Yes, female probationers are eligible for maternity leave with full pay.
5. What if the employee suffers a miscarriage?
She is eligible for up to 45 days of leave with pay on medical certificate. Threatened abortion cases are not covered.
6. Does maternity leave affect increments or pension?
No, the entire maternity leave period counts for service benefits, pension, and increments.
Conclusion
The Maternity Leave Rules under the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 ensure that every female government employee gets adequate rest, recovery, and financial protection during motherhood. With six months of paid leave and full service continuity, the Haryana Government prioritizes the health and welfare of women employees and their newborns.
Official source: Finance Department, Government of Haryana