RS passes amendments to Maternity Benefits Act, women to get 26 weeks leave
The ammendment bill has also introduced the provision of "work from home" for nursing mothers.
"The maternity benefit Act 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her of a 'maternity benefit' - i.e. full paid absence from work - to take care for her child," a government statement said on Wednesday.
The act is applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more persons.
The amendments will help 1.8 million (approx.) women workforce in organised sector.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday gave its ex-post facto approval for amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 by introducing the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Parliament.
The bill will now go to Lok Sabha for approval, where the government enjoys majority.
The amendments to Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, will provide an increased maternity benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for two surviving children.
However, those women employees who already have more than two children will get 12 weeks of leave only.
The bill grants 12 weeks maternity benefit to a 'Commissioning mother' and 'Adopting mother'.
The bill has also paved way for 'work from home' facility.
Image: Wikipedia Commons
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