Maternity Leave Dilemma: Can We Offer Part-Time Options to Select Departments Only?

Hi. Please confirm if we can have a separate maternity leave policy for a few female staff in Corporate. For example, we want to provide the option to work part-time even after 6 months of paid maternity leave, but this opportunity should only be available to select departments. Please help.

Dear Madam,

This will amount to unjust discrimination. The policy has to be made uniformly applicable to all eligible female employees and not give preferential treatment to a certain set of employees.

Regards, Vinayak Nagarkar HR Consultant

Thanks, Nagarkar. However, my business requirement doesn't allow for part-time work. Offering the option of part-time work would not be feasible in those processes. However, there may be certain verticals where part-timers can also work. Is this still considered discrimination?

Dear Shilpa,

Yes, it will be regarded as discrimination as the Maternity Benefit Act does not distinguish between full-time and part-time female employees. You, being female yourself, what is your take on this? Should women be discriminated against in such social security legislation?

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant