📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Sachinghai09
Derivative work: Radomian
Sarkari Yojana
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves 180-Day Maternity Leave for Women Workers
✍️ Jagran Josh
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 02:03 PM
👁 2
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a policy granting female employees up to 180 days of maternity leave, outlining eligibility and benefits.
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet met this week and gave formal approval to a new maternity‑leave scheme that extends paid leave to 180 days for eligible women workers. The decision was announced through an official press release that also detailed the conditions for availing the benefit.
Under the scheme, women who meet the prescribed service criteria will be entitled to the full duration of leave, with remuneration as per existing government rules. The policy also clarifies the documentation required and the process for employers to grant the leave without penalising the employee.
State officials said the move aims to align Uttar Pradesh with national standards on gender‑friendly workplace policies and to support women’s health and economic participation. Implementation is expected to begin from the start of the next financial year, with awareness campaigns planned for both public and private sector employers.
Labor unions and women’s advocacy groups welcomed the announcement, noting that a longer, secure maternity period can reduce health risks for mothers and infants while encouraging higher female workforce retention.
Under the scheme, women who meet the prescribed service criteria will be entitled to the full duration of leave, with remuneration as per existing government rules. The policy also clarifies the documentation required and the process for employers to grant the leave without penalising the employee.
State officials said the move aims to align Uttar Pradesh with national standards on gender‑friendly workplace policies and to support women’s health and economic participation. Implementation is expected to begin from the start of the next financial year, with awareness campaigns planned for both public and private sector employers.
Labor unions and women’s advocacy groups welcomed the announcement, noting that a longer, secure maternity period can reduce health risks for mothers and infants while encouraging higher female workforce retention.