Navigating Maternity Leave: What HR Needs to Know About Procedures and Forms

Kindly advise me on the HR procedures to be followed to grant maternity leave for an employee. Is there a Maternity Leave Application Form to be filled out by the employee? Should the ID Card and Swipe Card be taken back from them during the leave period? Please reply on the procedures to be followed.

Dear Nisha, Is there a Maternity Leave Application Form to be filled by the employee?

Yes, they need to fill a leave application form.

Should the ID Card & Swipe Card be taken back from them during the leave period?

Depends on your organizational culture. Generally, when a person takes a leave (for any purpose), they need not submit the ID card or swipe card.

A female employee can avail Maternity benefit under two categories: A) Under ESI B) As per Maternity Benefit Act if not covered under ESI. Please refer to the two acts. For any further clarification, feel free to write or discuss.

I appreciate your input. You have made a statement like, "Yes, they need to fill out a leave application form." My questions are:

- Which form should be filled out?
- When should it be filled out?
- To whom should it be submitted (under ESI and under the Maternity Act)?

I want to learn about the whole procedure. Please share.

Maternity Leave Application Process

Female employees are required to fill out this form at least one month before availing of maternity leave. Additionally, they must provide a certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating the expected delivery date.