Am I Eligible for Paid Maternity Leave While Still on Probation? Seeking Guidance

Respected Sir/Madam, I joined this institution on 1st July 2013 on a probation period of six months. After completing my probation period, my employer has not provided me with any letter confirming my employment status, whether I am still on probation or if I have been confirmed. My Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is 22nd May 2014.

I would like to know if I am eligible for Maternity Leave with pay benefits. Please guide me, Madam/Sir.

Thank you.
Regards

You are eligible for maternity benefits (12 weeks with full pay) as you have completed a minimum qualified service of 80 days in your service. Whether you are confirmed or on probation is immaterial for receiving maternity benefits.

Regards,
D. Gurumurthy

Eligibility for Maternity Benefits

Normally, private organizations ask for medical tests before joining. For female employees, a pregnancy test is also included in the list of tests. In your case, it seems you conceived after joining and have also completed the minimum prescribed period of 80 days. You are entitled to maternity benefits as enshrined in the Maternity Benefit Act.

Regards,
Pon, Chennai

If the employer has not given you the letter of extension of probation, it is deemed that you are confirmed after the expiry of your probation period, i.e., 31st December 2013 in your case.

With regards to MB, Pon, and D. Gurumurthy have advised you on the eligibility criteria aptly. If you are covered under ESI, the benefit of MB will be taken care of by ESIC.