Maternity Benefit Act Amendment Update
As you are kindly aware, the Ministry of Labour is expected to amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which presently entitles women to 12 weeks of maternity benefit where employers are liable to pay full wages for the period of leave. Officials of the WCD Ministry said they will push for extending the leave to eight months, or 32 weeks, for women employed in both private and government sectors. In this regard, the member, i.e., the MP Shri. P. Karunakaran, had also introduced this amendment private bill in Lok Sabha on 12.12.2014 for an amendment in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Ministry of Labour department has sought comments on the same from various stakeholders.
Hon. President will forward this bill to both the houses for its assent. If an amendment to the effect is eventually made to the Maternity Benefits Act of 1961, it would put India in a league of just 16 countries across the globe that give women the highest duration of paid maternity leave.
Private Companies' Views
Promoting an inclusive culture and improving gender diversity has become a top priority for businesses in India. Indian multinationals have introduced several new initiatives recently to ensure balanced gender diversity and make the workplace even more favorable for women employees.
I have attempted to compile maternity leave policies and benefits prevailing in all good companies. Hope the same may be informative for you.
Any suggestions/comments on this would be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Gaurav
As you are kindly aware, the Ministry of Labour is expected to amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which presently entitles women to 12 weeks of maternity benefit where employers are liable to pay full wages for the period of leave. Officials of the WCD Ministry said they will push for extending the leave to eight months, or 32 weeks, for women employed in both private and government sectors. In this regard, the member, i.e., the MP Shri. P. Karunakaran, had also introduced this amendment private bill in Lok Sabha on 12.12.2014 for an amendment in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Ministry of Labour department has sought comments on the same from various stakeholders.
Hon. President will forward this bill to both the houses for its assent. If an amendment to the effect is eventually made to the Maternity Benefits Act of 1961, it would put India in a league of just 16 countries across the globe that give women the highest duration of paid maternity leave.
Private Companies' Views
Promoting an inclusive culture and improving gender diversity has become a top priority for businesses in India. Indian multinationals have introduced several new initiatives recently to ensure balanced gender diversity and make the workplace even more favorable for women employees.
I have attempted to compile maternity leave policies and benefits prevailing in all good companies. Hope the same may be informative for you.
Any suggestions/comments on this would be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Gaurav