Odisha Govt Extends Leave Benefits For Women Employees
In a noteworthy initiative aimed at bolstering support for women in the workforce, the Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has announced an extension of 10 additional days of casual leave for women employed across various government departments. This decision seeks to acknowledge the diverse array of responsibilities carried by women and afford them greater flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Previously, all government personnel in Odisha were entitled to 15 days of casual leave (CL) annually. However, with this recent announcement, women employees will now enjoy a total of 25 days of CL per year. This substantial increase of 10 extra days is poised to provide much-needed relief to women managing professional obligations alongside domestic and personal commitments.
Women frequently shoulder the burden of household chores, childcare responsibilities, and caring for elderly family members, in addition to fulfilling their professional duties. By extending additional leave provisions, the Odisha government aims to alleviate some of the pressures associated with these multifaceted roles.
In a parallel development, the state administration has also introduced paid maternity leave lasting 180 days for women employed in non-government-aided educational institutions as block grant employees. This encompasses staff members serving in 2,560 newly aided high schools, 940 upper primary schools, and 138 madrasas throughout Odisha. The provision of maternity leave will offer vital support to women employees during pregnancy and after childbirth, enabling them to recuperate and bond with their newborns without the added burden of financial worries.
The decision to extend additional casual leave and maternity benefits underscores Odisha's steadfast commitment to advancing women's empowerment and gender parity. As early as the 1990s, Odisha emerged as the pioneering state in India to introduce 33 per cent reservation for women in government positions, setting a precedent for other regions to follow suit.
