Confused About Paid Maternity Leave Duration for Contract Staff – Can You Help?

Dear Seniors,

I need clarification regarding the number of maternity leave days with pay that can be provided to one of my staff members who is under contract with us. There seems to be conflicting information with some suggesting 2 months, while others mention 3 months or 84 days as the entitlement with pay. It's important to note that she is not covered under the ESI.

I would appreciate a clear response on this matter.

Thank you in advance.

V. Praveen

After completion of 11 months of service in the same company, an employee can be eligible for 3 months of maternity leave with pay. Otherwise, it can be Leave Without Pay (LWP).

If your establishment is covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, then you are entitled to grant a total of twelve weeks of maternity leave. For more details, you may also refer to section 5 of the Maternity Benefit Act.

Regards,
R.N. Khola

Our company has a policy to provide only 25 days of maternity leave. It varies from firm to firm as this policy may not be clearly defined. Generally, I have heard it to be 3 months.

Can you please let me know in which section of the MB Act, 11 months of service is stated to be eligible?

Clarification on Maternity Leave Eligibility

My dear friend, after completing 11 months of service in the same company, an employee can be eligible for 3 months of maternity leave with pay. Otherwise, it can be Leave Without Pay (LWP).

Regards,
IR/HR