Navigating Maternity Benefits: ESI Act vs. Maternity Benefit Act – What's the Right Path?

Please let me know whether a woman employee who is covered under ESI is eligible for maternity benefits under the ESI Act or the Maternity Benefit Act. If such a woman is covered under the ESI Act, will she be paid 84 days' salary by the ESI Corporation, and what is the procedure for that?

Regards,
Nitu

In case the female employee is covered under the ESI Act, the liability lies with ESI for maternity benefits. She will also receive 84 days' salary from the concerned local office or ESI Dispensary. She must inform the local office by obtaining a Leave Intimation slip from the ESI hospital regularly. By filling out Form 21, which is the attendance verification form, she can receive payments at the rate defined by the ESI, typically 70% of the daily wages.

I hope this clarifies things.

Regards,