Feeling Ignored After Maternity Leave: How Should I Handle My Unresponsive Employer?

Hi everyone, my name is Jyothi. I am from Hyderabad. I have been working in an international voice process in Hyderabad for 6 months. After that, I took maternity leave for another 6 months. Recently, I completed my maternity leave, so I called my team leader and informed her that I would be returning to work. I inquired about when I could rejoin the company, but there was no response from my team leader. Subsequently, I contacted HR and expressed my desire to rejoin the office. The HR representative asked me to wait until she received a confirmation email, and then she would inform me. However, it has been almost 1 and a half months, and there has been no response. Additionally, my salary has not been credited. When I followed up with them, they mentioned that I have been removed from the previous project and will be assigned to a new one. I waited for their response, but now they are not answering my calls or messages. Can anyone please advise me on what I should do?

Understanding the Maternity Benefit Act

The Maternity Benefit Act protects employees from termination during pregnancy. However, it does not prevent the company from removing you from employment after your maternity leave is completed. So, there is little you can do in this case.

They are required to pay your salary for 6 months of maternity leave. If your salary is not credited for the maternity leave period, you have the law on your side. But this does not apply to salary after your maternity leave is over, especially if you have not rejoined.

It would be strange if the company is not bothering to take you back after paying your salary for 6 months without receiving any work from you. So, I can only assume they don't have work for you at the moment. Have you considered going to the office and meeting both your HR and Project Manager? Sometimes, meeting face to face helps.