Understanding Maternity Leave: How Long Must You Work Before You're Eligible?

Dear All,

Can someone help me regarding the eligibility for availing of Maternity leave? What should be the minimum service period after which an employee can avail of the maternity benefit? How long can it be extended - without pay, keeping the lien on the employment?

Thanks & regards,

Hrishikesh V. Yelgaonkar

Dear HVK,

Please find the conditions for availing maternity benefits:

- An employee should have worked for a minimum period of 80 days, including leaves taken on general or gazetted holidays in the preceding 12 months.

Under Section 9 of the act, there is a provision for an extension of leave for 30 days (in addition to the general 84 days granted), along with full benefits for any illness or complications arising from pregnancy. However, there is no provision under the act to allow leave for more than this. If complications persist, the employer should ideally grant further leave, but the employer is not liable to provide any additional payment beyond that.

Regards,
AS