Women government employees can now take 180 days of maternity leave if they have children through surrogacy, according to amendments to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972. The changes also allow "commissioning mothers" (intending mothers) child care leave and "commissioning fathers" 15 days of paternity leave. These amendments, notified on June 18, 2024, ensure that surrogate and commissioning mothers with less than two surviving children can access these benefits. This marks the first time maternity leave is granted to women government employees for children born through surrogacy.
