Understanding Maternity Benefits: Do We Pay Full Salary or Just the Basic?

babu_sauran
Clarification on Maternity Benefits

I need a clear clarification on the benefits for women who are covered under the Maternity Act. We currently provide a full salary as they would receive on ordinary days, but I require clarity on the actual monetary benefits. I have heard that only the basic salary must be given; could you please clarify this?

Thank you,

Regards,
Senthil
Harsh Kumar Mehta
Sir, the term "average daily wage" has been defined under Section 5, and what constitutes "wages" has been explained under Section 2(3) of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. I hope you will go through the provisions of the above Act and decide the issues relating to the payment of maternity benefits to female employees properly, as per the provisions of the said Act, instead of based on what you have "heard".
Madhu.T.K
During the maternity leave days, the employee should be paid a salary equal to what she was receiving immediately preceding her leave days. That is, she is entitled to that salary if she had taken PL or CL during these days. Naturally, one who is on PL/CL will receive the full salary and not just the basic salary. The salary for this purpose also excludes any allowance that is paid proportionate to attendance.

In addition to maternity leave with a salary for 84 days, she is to be paid Rs 3500 as a medical bonus if she is not provided with any prenatal or postnatal care by the company. Please note that this medical bonus is a lump sum amount and not paid per month.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K
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