Benefits Under MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961 For TWIN Pregnancy

Hello,
I am blessed with twin pregnency and this is my first pregnancy. I am working in my current organisation for last 4 years now.
As per indian MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961, a women can get 12 weeks of maternity leave, each for two pregnancies.
Can anyone please let me know in my case of twin pregnancy, will i be entitled to take 12*2 = 24 weeks of pregnancy with a declaration that i will not avail maternity leaves in future
thanks for the help
Nagina

You are eligible for only 12 weeks since the Maternity Benfit Act says that 12 weeks can be availed in respect of each pregnancy but not for each child in pregnanacy.
B.Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai

Yes. You are entitled for Maternity Benefit for 12 weeks salary. Whether it may be single
baby or twins. There is no such bar. No of issues is also not problem. You will get it.
D.Gurumurthy
HR/IR Consultant

They are right. You will get Twelve weeks only and not 24 weeks 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)