Dear Readers;
A radical thought. Compensation is for the work done. That can be decided by mutual agreement, law, market or other parameters. In India, we have many payments to be made by employer even when an employee is not working. This includes leave pay, paid holidays, bonus, gratuity, accident compensation, and maternity benefit. One way we accept other payments for not working, we at times increase the quantum or percentage by agreement. But when it comes to maternity benefit, we become conservative.
The effect of amendment is bound to be not employing women in that age, asking them to resign and reemploying them later, or somehow avoid the liability in law.
But consider, in the total cost of employees, how much is the maternity benefit cost? And will the woman employee work less, or delay work when she resumes work?
Under the concept of welfare state, and popular government, we cannot avoid this. Accept the reality and act accordingly. No need to be upset and fight at some cost.
Vibhakar Ramtirthkar
9371001906, [Login to view]
HR Advisor and Union Leader.