State government increases maternity leaves of contractual employees to 180

The Mamata Banerjee government has increased the number of days of maternity leave for contractual employees as well.

The total number of days of maternity leave for contractual employees has been increased to 180 days from 135.

In a memorandum issued by the state Finance department, it has been stated that "female employees engaged on contract basis are entitled to get the benefit of maternity leave for a maximum period of 135 days with contractual remuneration as per terms and condition of contract…After careful consideration it has been decided that all categories of female contractual employee including female software personnel engaged directly by state Government Directorates will get the befit of maternity leave for a maximum period of 180 days…".

The matter of enhancement of the upper limit of maternity leave irrespective of the category of contractual

employee was under consideration of the state government for sometime. Finally, it was decided to increase the total number of days of the maternity leave.

This comes at a time when maternity leave for permanent women employees is also

180 days and they also

started getting child care leaves of 730 days.

It may be mentioned that the Mamata Banerjee government has taken up several steps for the benefits of both contractual and permanent employees. Earlier, the state government had allowed "paternity cum child care leave" to its employees.

The Chief Minister had announced it after a Cabinet meeting. Employees will get the leave for 30 days to take care of their children. An

employee can take the leave at a stretch during the birth of his child and up to 18 years of age of the child.

Another important move that this government had taken up for the benefits of contractual employees is that their services will not be terminated till they attend 60 years of age.