Is My Pregnant Colleague at Our New Call Center Eligible for Maternity Benefits?

Hi, this is Gopi. I have a query. I am working in a new call center, just two months old. We have a pregnant colleague who is due in October. I would like to know if she is eligible for maternity benefits.

I am expecting your reply.

Thank you,
Gopi

What does your benefit policy state? I am in the USA, and here she would be eligible for STD (short-term disability). However, I think you're in Pondicherry, India, so I would check government regulations and your HR benefit policy for maternity leave. If she has benefits, why would she not have the right to them?

Cheers! Rekha

Gopi,
This benefit would be extended to employees who have completed 90 days
of service with your organisation. Lady employees are eligible for 84 days of maternity leave as per the Maternity Act. This would need to overlap with the delivery period. Employees covered under ESI will be governed as per the ESI guidelines. Please seek a doctor certificate indicating the expected date of delivery when applying for leave to proceed on your maternity.
In the event of a miscarriage, lady employees are entitled to six weeks of leave.
Male employees are entitled for a paternity leave for a period of 3 days that should be availed within a month's time of the birth of the child.
Hope this helps.
Gayathri