Navigating Maternity Leave: What Benefits Can My Colleague Expect in Chennai?

Hello Friends, I want to understand the maternity benefit labor law for Chennai city. My colleague from Chennai is going on maternity leave during the probation period, whereas she has already completed 3 months of probation and has not yet been confirmed. The gynecologist suggests that, due to her health issues, she should take a break from work and rest before her delivery date.

What kind of benefits should I offer, and what benefits is she eligible for as per Chennai government labor law?

Please suggest.

With Regards,

Ms. Hetal M

Hi, yes. A woman employee can apply for maternity leave during a probation period if she meets the following conditions: She should have worked with the employer for 80 days in the last 12 months immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery.

Maternity Benefit Amendment Act

The Maternity Benefit Amendment Act has increased the duration of paid maternity leave available for women employees from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Under the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, this benefit can be availed by women for a period extending up to a maximum of eight weeks before the expected delivery date, and the remaining time can be availed after childbirth. For women who have two or more surviving children, the duration of paid maternity leave shall be 12 weeks (i.e., six weeks before and six weeks after the expected date of delivery).