India, Aug. 20 -- The Madhya Pradesh government has introduced special provisions for maternity and child care leave, extending the benefits to surrogate mothers and single parents, respectively.

In a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the council of ministers approved the new Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2025, replacing the 1977 Leave Rules, citing present-day requirements.

Chief minister Mohan Yadav chaired the meeting and approved changes in the eligibility criteria for maternity and child care leaves.

"Now, surrogate/commissioning mothers will be eligible for maternity leave. The father will be eligible for 15 days' paternity leave at the time in case of adoption. The government has also approved child care leave to s...