Twin Pregnancy and Maternity Leave: Can I Get 24 Weeks Off Under Indian Law?

I am blessed with a twin pregnancy, and this is my first pregnancy. I have been working in my current organization for the last 4 years now.

Maternity Leave Entitlement for Twin Pregnancy

As per the Indian Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, a woman can get 12 weeks of maternity leave for each pregnancy. Can anyone please let me know if, in my case of a twin pregnancy, I will be entitled to take 12 * 2 = 24 weeks of maternity leave with a declaration that I will not avail maternity leave in the future?

Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Nagina

Maternity Leave Entitlement for Twin Pregnancy

You are eligible for only 12 weeks since the Maternity Benefit Act states that 12 weeks can be availed for each pregnancy but not for each child in a pregnancy.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai

Yes, you are entitled to Maternity Benefit for 12 weeks of salary, whether it is a single baby or twins. There is no such restriction. The number of issues is also not a problem. You will receive it.

Regards,
D. Gurumurthy
HR/IR Consultant

They are right. You will get twelve weeks only and not 24 weeks of leave since it is the first time. You are again eligible for another 12 weeks for the next pregnancy.

Regards,
D. Phani Kumar
DGM- HR
Vasavadatta Cement
(A unit of BK Birla Group of Companies)