TN CM Stalin Announces One-Year Maternity Leave, 3-Year Posting Of Choice For Women Police Officers

This policy is an extension of the DMK government's earlier decision in 2021 to increase maternity leave for state employees from nine months to one year.

In a significant move to support women in law enforcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that women police officers in the state will be entitled to one year of maternity leave. Upon resuming their duties, they will be granted a three-year posting at a location of their choice to help them balance their professional responsibilities with childcare.

The Chief Minister made this announcement on Friday during a ceremony at Rajarathinam Stadium, where he distributed the President's medals, Union Home Minister's medals, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's medals to meritorious police officials and personnel.

This policy is an extension of the DMK government's earlier decision in 2021 to increase maternity leave for state employees from nine months to one year. "Women police will be given one-year maternity leave and after returning to work, they will be posted either at the place of their husband or parents, for three years, to take care of their children," Stalin stated.

The decision to allow women police officers to choose their posting location for three years was made in response to requests from within the police department. This initiative aims to provide better work-life balance for women officers, ensuring they can nurture their young children while continuing their careers.

Additionally, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the need to enhance the professional skills of women police officers, particularly in dealing with crimes against women and children and in handling cybercrimes. "Your duty and responsibility are immense. It is your duty to protect the people. Discharge your duties with dedication and serve not only to reduce crimes but also to prevent them," he urged the officers.

Stalin also reiterated his commitment to transforming Tamil Nadu into a state free from drugs and crime, urging the police to take strict action against offenders. He expressed satisfaction with the state's progress in various sectors, including industrial development, attributing this success to the effective maintenance of law and order.