Navigating Maternity Leave: How to Handle Eligibility and Service Queries?

Maternity Leave Queries

Help is required in the case of maternity leaves. I have three queries:

1. If the organization started its operation in August 2013, and an employee applies for maternity leave with an expected delivery date in February, according to the Maternity Act 1961, 80 days in the last 12 months are required. However, the organization has only completed four months of operation.

2. Does maternity leave include weekends, week offs, or intermittent holidays?

3. What is meant by 80 days of continuous service? Does it include sanctioned leaves? If I am correct, leave without pay shall not be included.

Thank you.

Maternity Benefit Act: Medical Bonus Clarification

Please read the amended Maternity Benefit Act, which is outlined below, regarding your query related to the Medical Bonus for employees. I hope this will clear your doubts.

• Medical Bonus Entitlement

According to Section 8(1) of the Act, every woman entitled to maternity benefits under this Act shall also be entitled to receive from her employer a medical bonus of one thousand rupees if no pre-natal confinement and post-natal care is provided by the employer free of charge.

Regards