Maternity Leave Confusion: How Long Am I Really Eligible for Without a Government Order?

Over the past 2 years, I have been working in a private limited company. Our HR department informed me that the eligibility for maternity leave is only 3 months as they have not received any government order. Now, I would like to know how many months of leave I am actually eligible for.

Maternity Leave Entitlements for ESIC and Non-ESIC Members

Only for ESIC members, maternity leave is 6 months. For all non-ESIC members working in the private sector, maternity leave is still as per the old Maternity Act. According to the Maternity Benefit Act, female workers are entitled to a maximum of 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave. Out of these 12 weeks, six weeks are post-natal leave. In case of a miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, a worker is entitled to six weeks of paid maternity leave.

Your company executives have shared the right information with you.

Regards