Karti Chidambaram Opposes Vijay Govt’s 3rd Child Maternity Leave

Tamil Nadu's decision to extend one year of maternity leave to women government employees for their third child has triggered a political debate.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has opposed any government measure that could encourage larger families, arguing that the focus should be on a healthy, highly educated and skilled population. He has also called for paternity leave, saying childcare responsibilities must be shared by fathers.

Meanwhile, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has backed the move while stressing the need for population stabilisation. The debate comes amid wider concerns in southern states over declining fertility rates and the impact of future delimitation.