The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha in the year August 2016, has now also been approved by the Lok Sabha in the same year, March 2017. Some important changes under the new law: The paid maternity leave in India is increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for working women
1. The paid maternity leave in India is increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for working women.
2. This law is eligible for only those who work in an organization with a minimum of 10 employees.
3. A woman who is already a mother of 2 children is eligible for 12 weeks of maternity leave from the 3rd child.
4. If a woman adopts a child under the age of 3 months, then she is eligible for a leave of 12 weeks.
No Universal Paternity Leave Law In India. Unfortunately, there is no such provision for paternity leaves. The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules,1972, give a provision to male government employees to take paternity leaves 15 days before the birth or within six months of the birth of the baby.
As far as maternity leave you may go with same benefits based on the Maternity Benefit Act as stated above. In case of Paternity Leave you may go as per Management's discretion on number of days of paternity leave and other.
You may create this as part of your HR Policy and start practicing so that you will be a compliant organization in case of Maternity Leave as well as employer with good HR policies in case of Paternity Leave.