Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017: What Does It Mean for Employers and Employees?

Dear HR Fraternity,

I am writing to inform you that the Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill, 2016, has been assented to by our honorable President, making it the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017. However, the effective date is yet to be declared by the Central Government. I hope this information will be helpful to all of you.

Thank you.

Hi all,

Good afternoon! Just a small query: a female employee who is already on maternity leave and has delivered a baby. Her maternity leave is going to expire as per the old act on 31st March 2017. Will she be eligible for the extension as per the amendment?

Will appreciate your response.

Best regards,
Kriti

Good afternoon to all,

My query is that my maternity leave has been completed on 10th March 2017, but I am still on leave (LWP). My point is, if the maternity amendment is applicable from 1st March or before, then will I be eligible for an extension of maternity leave or not?

I have not yet submitted my LWP application in my company; it is based on verbal communication with my HOD. Please guide me.

Shweta,

Though the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act has been notified by the government, the effective date has not been mentioned. Therefore, no one can answer your query authoritatively. I hope once the effective date is notified by the government, there may be clarity on your type of beneficiaries. We still await relevant instructions.

Notification from Labour Ministry

The following notification was received from the Labour Ministry with images attached:

Gift on International Women's Day

Gift on International Women's Day to all the women in India from the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

• Increased Maternity Benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for two surviving children and 12 weeks for more than two children.
• 12 weeks Maternity Benefit to a 'Commissioning mother' and 'Adopting mother'.
• Facilitate 'Work from home'.
• Mandatory provision of a Creche in establishments having 50 or more employees.

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