How Will the New Maternity Benefits Bill Impact Working Women in India?

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2016, paving the way for more than doubling maternity leave for working women to 26 weeks. The Rajya Sabha had passed the bill in August last year during the monsoon session.

The Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill, 2016, will pave the way for a healthy and secure mother and a well-nourished child.

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Historic day for women as the extension of Maternity Leave from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks gets approved by Lok Sabha.

A well-accepted change in government policy showing steady and firm support towards the women of our country. Aimed at benefiting about 1.8 million women in the organised sector.

Maternity leave up to 12 weeks for commissioning mothers and women who adopt a child below the age of 3 months.

Period of maternity leave will be calculated from the date the child is handed over to the adoptive or commissioning mother.

Every establishment with 50 or more employees will have to provide for a crèche facility within a prescribed distance.

The woman will be allowed four visits to the crèche in a day.

Any idea from when it will be in effect? Will it be from the previous date or a future one?

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Any idea on when it will take effect? Will it be from a previous date or a future one?

Hi, I have been working in a pharma company for the past 2 years, and I am currently on maternity leave since January 1, 2017. My leave is scheduled to end in March 2017. I would like to know if the maternity amendment bill applies to me and if I am eligible to extend my maternity leave.

You have to wait for Gazette Notification for the Date of Applicability of the Amendment. Accordingly, you can take action for submitting a claim if any.