Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has opposed a new Tamil Nadu government policy granting 365 days of maternity leave for a third child.
The dispute highlights a growing tension between state-level family support initiatives and national goals regarding population control and public health.
The policy was announced in August 2026 during the first 100 days of the TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay [1]. Under the new rule, women government employees who have a third child are now eligible for 365 days of maternity leave [3]. This is a significant increase from the previous allotment of 12 weeks [3].
Maternity leave for first and second children in the state was already set at 365 days [3]. The new measure extends that same benefit to those expanding their families further.
Chidambaram said the government should not encourage large families [3]. He said the state's focus should instead remain on ensuring a healthy and educated population [3]. While he acknowledged the general value of maternity benefits, he questioned the specific application to a third child.
Beyond the opposition to the third-child leave, Chidambaram called for a shift in how the state handles childcare responsibilities. He said maternity leave is welcome, but the state also needs paternity leave so that childcare responsibilities are shared [2].
The debate arrives as the Vijay-led administration marks its first 100 days in office [1]. The move to equalize leave for the third child with the first two suggests a policy shift toward broader family support for government workers.
“"We should not encourage large families."”
This policy clash reflects a broader ideological divide in Indian governance between providing social safety nets for all children and implementing population stabilization measures. By advocating for paternity leave, Chidambaram is pushing for a modern redistribution of domestic labor, while the Tamil Nadu government's move signals a commitment to employee benefits regardless of family size.
