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.
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 gr for paternity leave in maharashtra link
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 Recommendation: If you are a Maharashtra state government
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
To avail of leave under this GR, you must submit a Self-Certified Declaration to your reporting officer, stating:
(Unlike maternity leave, no medical certificate is required for paternity leave, though a birth certificate may be requested post-facto.) To avail of leave under this GR, you
A: Visit the official website: maharashtra.gov.in. Go to "Notifications" → "General Administration Department" → Search for "Paternity Leave" or "GR C.R.283/2019".
Many employees in Maharashtra confuse the State GR with the Central Civil Services (Paternity Leave) Rules.
| Feature | Maharashtra State GR (2019) | Central Government Rules (CCS) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Duration | 15 days | 15 days | | Validity | First 2 children | First 2 children | | Eligibility | Male state govt employees | Male central govt employees | | Adoption | Not specified in original GR (Use CCL) | 15 days paternity leave for adoption |
For private sector employees: The Maharashtra GR does NOT apply to you. Private companies follow the Maharashtra Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (which does not mandate paternity leave). You must check your company’s internal HR policy.
A: The GR typically requires continuous leave, but department discretion applies. Most offices allow block leave, not split leave.