The Central Government has amended its rules to grant 180 days of maternity leave to women government employees who have children through surrogacy. This move marks a significant revision to a 50-year-old regulation that previously did not address maternity benefits for surrogacy cases. 

According to the amended Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, "In case of surrogacy, the surrogate, as well as the commissioning mother with less than two surviving children, may be granted maternity leave of 180 days, in case either or both of them are government servants." This change ensures that women who opt for surrogacy can avail themselves of the same maternity benefits as those who give birth naturally.

The amendments also introduce provisions for "commissioning father," allowing him 15 days of paternity leave within six months from the child's delivery date. Additionally, the "commissioning mother" can now avail childcare leave under the new rules.