Is 6-Month Maternity Leave a Must? Can Employees Return Sooner? Let's Discuss!

Hi All,

I came to know that some of the companies are not following the New Maternity Benefit Act. Please tell me, is it mandatory to give 6 months maternity leave benefit to an employee? If the employee is willing to join before 6 months, can she?

Please share your valuable feedback asap.

Thanks,
Akansha

Dear Akansha,

It is mandatory to grant 26 weeks of leave to the employee, and any violation will be dealt with penalties by the respective authorities.

As per the policy, every company should activate or follow the new act. The Act states that a woman shall be entitled to maternity leave of twenty-six weeks (6 months), of which not more than eight weeks shall precede the date of her expected delivery. It is mandatory for companies to provide 6 months of maternity leave benefit. Yes, I think she can join before 6 months; also, check with the management. For more information, refer to the link: https://www.stacowiki.in/en/acts/st-...efit-act-1961/