Maternity Leave in India: Do You Need to Finish Probation to Qualify for Paid Leave?

Probation Period and Maternity Leave Eligibility

Is completion of the probation period required to avail of paid maternity leave, or is the 80 working days criteria sufficient? Please explain.

The definition under the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 is 3(o) "woman" means a woman employed, whether directly or through any agency, for wages in any establishment. There is no exclusion of any period like "probation" etc. The woman is eligible for maternity benefit on completion of 80 days from the joining date irrespective of their category of engagement.