Is the Maternity Leave Extension to 24 Weeks Official Yet? Seeking Clarity for HR Planning

Dear Seniors,

I am an HR professional working with a Manufacturing MNC in Haryana. There is some news in the market about amendments in Maternity Leave, increasing it from 12 weeks to 24 weeks. However, I am not aware of whether this change has been implemented or is still pending. If it is pending, when is it supposed to be implemented?

I hope to receive your prompt guidance so that I can introduce this information to our management.

Regards,

Kumud

Hi Kumad,

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has recommended increasing the maternity leave to 24 weeks from 12 weeks. This is aimed at reducing the percentage of child malnutrition in India, which has significantly increased over the last 10 years. The amendment is yet to be passed. Additionally, this change would help and encourage female employees to return to work, as many of them drop out of the workforce after their maternity leave to spend more time with their newborns.

Thank you!

Dear Kumud,

This is still in the discussion stage. It will be implemented once the motion is passed in Parliament, which is scheduled for the current Winter Session. The news will be published in the newspaper, and a circular will be circulated to that effect. Please stay updated with the current news for further information.

Regards,
Ashutosh Thakre

Progressive Statutory Practices in Employee Leave

If it happens, it's an amazing and excellent move towards progressive statutory practices. In fact, many countries in Europe have started encouraging employers to give maternity leave between 6 months to 1 year. Paternity leave is another aspect that the government should look at. If the government makes these amendments, it would be a great achievement in an environment where many employers have a slave/bondage mentality towards employees.

Also, I hope that there would be strict implementation of working hours like in developed countries. It's sad to see small IT companies and BPOs transforming themselves into sweatshops and exploiting employees. India needs to evolve in the way employers and superiors treat their employees.

Hi,

Is there any further update or amendment regarding maternity leave in 2018?