Are Non-ESI Female Employees Eligible for Bonuses During Maternity Leave?

Good morning to all,

I have one query on the benefit of the bonus under the Payment of Bonus Act 1965. I have already gone through the threads posted earlier and understood that female employees covered under ESI are not entitled to get a bonus for the period when they were on maternity leave because wages paid to them were made by ESI.

Then what about those female employees who are not covered under ESI and wages will be paid by the employer for the period of maternity leave according to the HR policy? Will they get a bonus for that particular period?

Regards,
Shailza

Please note that Maternity Benefit is not considered as part of the Salary.

Further, under Section 2 (21) of The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 - Definition of Salary/Wages: Maternity Benefit is not included. Hence, Maternity Benefit Paid is not Eligible for Bonus.