For male government employees in Maharashtra paternity leave is officially governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981 , which have been updated via subsequent Government Resolutions (GRs) Key Entitlements & Rules Male employees with less than two surviving children are entitled to: of paid paternity leave. : This can be taken either 15 days before up to 6 months after the date of the child's delivery. : Employees receive their full regular salary during this period. Combination : It can be combined with other types of leave and is not deducted from the regular leave account (like EL or CL).
: If not utilized within the 6-month window, the leave is treated as lapsed. Special Child Rearing Leave (Extraordinary Cases)
A significant update (GR dated December 15, 2018) introduced a more extended leave for specific circumstances: 3. THE ALL INDIA SERVICES (LEAVE) RULES, 1955 - DoPT
The story of paternity leave in Maharashtra is one of slow progress and a unique "special" provision that sets it apart from many other states. While a universal law for all fathers doesn't exist yet, there are two distinct paths depending on who you work for. The Standard Path: Government Employees
For male employees working for the Maharashtra State Government, the rules are clear but strictly defined. Under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981, a father can take 15 days of paid paternity leave.
The Window: This leave can be taken either 15 days before the expected delivery date or anytime within 6 months after the baby is born.
The Catch: It is only available for the first two children. Maharashtra follows a strict "Small Family" norm; having a third child can actually disqualify a person from state government service altogether. The "Interesting" Twist: Special Childcare Leave
In December 2018, Maharashtra made headlines by introducing a rare benefit that goes beyond just the initial birth. A government resolution (GR) allowed male employees to take Special Childcare Leave of up to 180 days (roughly 6 months).
This isn't your standard "new dad" leave. It was specifically designed for fathers whose wives are unable to care for the children due to being bedridden or mentally incapacitated. Coverage: It applies to children under 18.
Flexibility: It can be taken in up to three spells per year.
Impact: This move was seen as a way to acknowledge that parenting is a shared responsibility, especially during family crises. The Private Sector Reality
If you work for a private company in Pune, Mumbai, or Nagpur, the "GR" doesn't strictly apply to you. India has no national law mandating paternity leave for the private sector. In these cases, your "paternity leave" is whatever is written in your specific employment contract. Many top-tier tech companies in Maharashtra now offer anywhere from 5 days to 12 weeks of leave voluntarily to attract talent.
Maharashtra's 2-child norm for govt. employees - Legacy IAS Academy
While there isn't a single "Paternity Leave Act" for all employees in Maharashtra, specific Government Resolutions (GRs) and the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981 outline clear benefits for state government employees. Paternity Leave for Maharashtra State Government Employees
The primary legal framework for state government workers is the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981. Key provisions include:
Duration: Eligible male employees are entitled to 15 days of paid paternity leave.
Eligibility: This is available to married male employees with less than two surviving children.
Timing: The leave can be taken during the wife's confinement—specifically from 15 days before the expected delivery up to six months after the birth. gr for paternity leave in maharashtra link
Adoption: The same 15-day benefit applies if a male employee validly adopts a child below the age of one year.
Leave Combination: Paternity leave can be combined with other types of leave, such as Earned Leave (EL), but typically cannot be combined with Casual Leave (CL).
Lapse: If not used within the six-month window, the leave is treated as lapsed and cannot be carried forward. Finding the Official GR Link
Maharashtra Government Resolutions are published on the official Maharashtra GR Portal.
To find specific notifications, you can search for "Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) (Amendments) Rules, 2025" or similar updates from the Finance Department.
The Department of Finance and the General Administration Department also maintain repositories of important service-related GRs. Private Sector Employees in Maharashtra Paternity Leave in India: What are the Rules? - RemoFirst
Paternity leave for Maharashtra state government employees is typically governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981 and subsequent amendments . While a specific, standalone "Paternity Leave" Government Resolution (GR) for standard 15-day leave often mirrors central government standards, the state has recently emphasized special childcare leave for male employees under specific circumstances . Key Leave Provisions for Male Employees
Special Childcare Leave: Male employees can avail up to 180 days of special leave if their spouse is incapacitated (e.g., bedridden or facing mental health issues) and unable to care for their children . This applies to the first two children under age 18 and can be taken in up to three parts per calendar year .
Standard Paternity Leave: Traditionally, male government employees with fewer than two surviving children are entitled to 15 days of paid leave, which must be used within six months of the child's birth or adoption .
Single Male Parents: Unmarried, widowed, or divorced male government servants are eligible for up to 730 days (2 years) of Child Care Leave (CCL) over their entire service period to care for their two youngest minor children . Official Links and Resources
Official Handbook: You can download the full Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981 from the Maharashtra Finance Department .
Recent Amendments: For the most recent updates as of 2025, refer to the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) (Amendments) Rules, 2025 .
Search for Specific GRs: You can search for the exact "Grant of Child Rearing Leave" resolution on the Government of Maharashtra GR Portal using the keyword "Leave" or "Child Rearing."
Leave Rules For State Government Employees (Types & Eligibility)
The Maharashtra government has introduced significant updates to leave rules for male employees, particularly through a notable Government Resolution (GR) issued on December 15, 2018, titled "Grant of Child Rearing Leave to the Government and Other Employees". Key Leave Provisions for Male Employees in Maharashtra
While the central government mandates 15 days of paid paternity leave within six months of birth or adoption, Maharashtra's state policies focus on Special Childcare Leave and Child Rearing Leave for male employees under specific circumstances: Child Rearing Leave (180 Days):
Eligibility: Male state government employees whose wives are incapacitated, bedridden, or unable to care for children due to physical or mental health issues. For male government employees in Maharashtra paternity leave
Usage: Can be taken for the first two children below the age of 18.
Structure: Maximum limit of 180 days, which can be taken in up to three spells per calendar year. Child Care Leave (CCL) for Single Parents:
Eligibility: Single male parents (unmarried, widowers, or divorcees) are entitled to up to 730 days of leave during their entire service period to care for their two youngest minor children.
Applicability: These rules extend beyond direct state employees to include teaching and non-teaching staff of Zilla Parishads, aided educational institutions, and various state universities. Important Links & Resources
To verify specific rules or download the full text of resolutions, you can use these official portals: Check Resolutions of Maharashtra Government
| Parameter | Specification | |-----------|----------------| | Issuing Body | General Administration Dept., Govt. of Maharashtra | | GR Number | पेले.२०१६/प्र.क्र. १२०/१६-क्रि-१ | | Date of Issue | February 28, 2019 (effective retrospectively from March 18, 2018) | | Leave Duration | 15 calendar days (not working days) | | Applicable To | Male State Government Employees (permanent/regular) | | Number of Children | First two live-born children only | | Pay Status | Full paid leave (equal to earned leave wages) |
Teachers working in aided schools (run by private managements but funded by the state) have a patchy history. The Maharashtra Education Department issued a clarification circular in 2021 stating that the 2019 GR applies to teaching and non-teaching staff of all aided educational institutions. If your school denies you leave, present the GR link and file a grievance with the Education Officer.
The GR for paternity leave in Maharashtra is more than a bureaucratic document—it is a recognition that fathers deserve bonding time with a newborn. While the state government has led the way, the hope is that the private sector and other states will follow. For now, Maharashtra government employees have a clear, enforceable right. Keep the link handy, and exercise your right to be an involved father.
Last updated: May 2026. Always refer to official sources for amendments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. For specific legal advice, consult the General Administration Department, Government of Maharashtra, or your department’s establishment officer.
The 2019 GR revolutionized family leave for male government employees in the state. Here is a breakdown of the rules:
Recommendation: If you are a Maharashtra state government employee, search the GAD site with “paternity leave circular 2023” or visit your department’s HR. For private sector, check your employment contract or request your HR to introduce a policy – no state GR mandates it yet.
Maharashtra , paternity leave is primarily governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules
. While central rules and some state guidelines have evolved, the core entitlement for state government employees remains 15 days of paid leave Government of Maharashtra (GoM) Paternity Leave Details
State government employees are entitled to paternity leave under the following conditions: 15 days of continuous leave. It can be taken starting from 15 days before the expected delivery date up to 6 months after the birth of the child. Eligibility: Restricted to male employees with less than two surviving children
Employees receive a leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before the leave. Lapse Policy:
If not used within the six-month window after delivery, the leave expires and cannot be carried forward. www.online-ias.com Official Links and Resources Teachers working in aided schools (run by private
To find the specific Government Resolution (GR), you can search the official Maharashtra Government Resolutions Portal Keyword Search:
Use "Paternity Leave" or "पितृत्व रजा" (Pritrutva Raja) in the search bar. Department: Look under the Finance Department General Administration Department Example GR Reference:
Many state rules were updated following the Central Government's 1999 notification, often referenced as following the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rule 43-A Private Sector Status There is currently no statutory mandate
for paternity leave in the private sector in Maharashtra. Entitlement depends entirely on individual company HR policies
. While some progressive firms offer 5–15 days, it is not a legal right under the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961. paternity leave application or finding a specific department's circular?
Paternity Leave Policy In India: The Economic Impact - The secretariat
In Maharashtra, paternity leave is primarily a structured benefit for State Government employees, governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1981. While there is no universal law mandating paternity leave for the private sector in India, many companies voluntarily offer it as part of their internal HR policies. Maharashtra Government Resolution (GR) for Paternity Leave
State government employees in Maharashtra are entitled to 15 days of paid paternity leave. This benefit is designed to support new fathers during the birth or adoption of a child.
Eligibility: Male government servants with fewer than two surviving children. Duration: 15 days of full-pay leave.
Timing: The leave can be taken during the wife's confinement—specifically, up to 15 days before the expected delivery date or within 6 months after the child's birth.
Adoption: Similar 15-day provisions apply for the valid adoption of a child below one year of age.
Key Feature: This leave is not debited against the employee's regular leave account (like earned or casual leave). Special Child Care Leave (2018 GR)
In 2018, the Maharashtra government issued a significant Government Resolution (GR) regarding Special Child Care Leave for male employees: 3. THE ALL INDIA SERVICES (LEAVE) RULES, 1955 - DoPT
If the direct link above fails, here is the official manual method:
Alternate Repository: Many state employees find the GR easier on the Maharashtra Shasan Sandharbha (e-GR) portal – mahasandharbha.maharashtra.gov.in. Search for “Paternity Leave 2019.”
Before rushing to apply, verify these five conditions: