Maternity Leave Changes: Can Someone Explain the New 6-Month Policy for Private Companies?

Dear all,

I wanted to know about maternity leave changes. I'm working in a private limited company, and I'm 9 months pregnant. I heard that the maternity leave act has been amended from 3 months to 6 months. Can anyone help me to understand more about this act?

Thank you.

Dear member,

So far as I understand, no such amendment has taken place yet. The proposal, as reported, is still at the discussion stage with the Government. Under the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, the maximum duration of maternity leave is still twelve weeks, with an additional month in case of illness arising from pregnancy, along with a medical bonus.

Sir, the online link to the proposals in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as published in the Economic Times, is mentioned below for the kind information of members of this forum:

[Women may get maternity leave for 26 weeks; Bandaru Dattatreya may table bill today - The Economic Times](http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/women-may-get-maternity-leave-for-26-weeks-bandaru-dattatreya-may-table-bill-today/articleshow/53607187.cms)

Dear Sameeta,

The Women and Child Development Ministry has written to the Labour Ministry to increase the leave period for maternity. Still, it is not approved. If the GO (Government Order) has been passed by the Labour Ministry, it will come into force.

Thanks,
Ignatius