6 days after delivery, this Collector was back at work. Now, a break and a message: ‘It’s not a must’
District Collector Meghashree D R returned to her duties in Wayanad six days after giving birth to her third daughter and will now commence a two‑month maternity leave. She emphasized that taking leave is a personal choice, not a mandatory requirement for women officers.
- ✓District Collector Meghashree D R returned to her duties in Wayanad six days after giving birth to her third daughter and will now commence a two‑month maternity leave.
- ✓She handed over charge to her successor, Chelsasini V, during a farewell ceremony on September 5, where she was accompanied by all three daughters.
- ✓She emphasized that taking leave is a personal choice, not a mandatory requirement for women officers.
The Wayanad district administration announced that Collector Meghashree D R resumed her official responsibilities just six days after delivering her third child, marking a swift return to work before embarking on a scheduled two‑month maternity leave. Her decision to continue working was presented as a personal choice rather than an institutional obligation, underscoring the flexibility available to female civil servants.
Meghashree, a 2017‑batch IAS officer, gave birth on August 25 after a regular workday on August 24, and began operating from the Collector’s camp office on September 1. She handed over charge to her successor, Chelsasini V, during a farewell ceremony on September 5, where she was accompanied by all three daughters. The officer, who took office on July 10, 2024, had previously overseen rescue operations following the July 30 landslide in the district and has been active in rehabilitation and township development projects.
In a statement to The Indian Express, Meghashree highlighted that maternity leave decisions depend on individual health and circumstances, and she continues to engage with the community through initiatives like the “Good Morning Collector” programme and regular social‑media updates. Her stance adds to the broader conversation on work‑life balance for women in public service, while her ongoing projects aim to integrate development, tribal empowerment, and environmental conservation across Wayanad.
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| Issuing Authority | The Indian Express National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | GOVERNANCE |
| Jurisdiction | KL State |
| Publication Date | 15 September 2026 |