Maternity Leave Confusion: Should Companies Follow the Maternity Benefit Act 2017 or Set Their Own Rules?

Hi, I have been working in the private sector for 3 years. I applied for 6 months of maternity leave, and HR is saying they can only provide 3 months of paid leave, with the rest being unpaid. Can you please advise if the leave policy differs from every company or if they should abide by the Maternity Benefit Act 2017?

Thanks

The act with amendments providing Maternity Benefits to all eligible woman employees applies to all establishments without any exemptions, and failure to comply therewith is punishable by law. The benefits of allowed period of maternity leave with full wages are non-negotiable. Please draw attention of your HR personnel to allowed benefits.

Kritarth Team, 16.6.20