Notification Of The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: The Key Impacts

INTRODUCTION

On account of certain distinctive qualities bestowed upon women by nature, the law makers across the globe have been witnessed to implement certain special protections and benefits to the female section of the workforce. Further, the legislative bodies from time to time have attempted to redesign the said protections and benefits in order to keep a pace with the growing female population in the global workforce. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 ("MB Amendment Act") which came into force on April 01, 2017, amending some of the key benefits mandated under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 ("MB Act") may qualify as one of such attempts. The MB Amendment Act has extended the earlier available maternity leave period of 12 weeks to 26 weeks, thereby exceeding the international standard of 14 weeks' maternity leave as recommended by the International Labour Organization.