Premature Baby Delivery: Can Employees Get an Extra Month of Paid Leave?

Is there a legal provision for an extended benefit of one more month leave to be given to an employee should there be such a request on account of premature delivery of a baby? If yes, what should the employee provide as proof, and does it have to be leave with wages?

There is no such provision in the Act. However, for illness arising out of childbirth, the employee can take an additional month's leave with pay - over and above 6 months of normal maternity leave. The request for such leave should be supported by the relevant certificate from the Medical Officer certifying that there were medical complications and a rest period of one more month is required for her health.