This is an update on the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill,
2016 (the "Amendment Bill"), which has
recently received assent from the Rajya Sabha on August 11,
2016.The Amendment Bill seeks to bring about certain significant
changes to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is applicable to every factory
and to every shop or establishment in which 10 (Ten) or more
persons are or were employed on any day in the preceding twelve
calendar months.
The Amendment Bill is yet to receive assent from the Lok Sabha,
pursuant to which it would require Presidential assent prior to it
being notified as applicable law.
Key Amendments under the Amendment Bill:
- Duration of Maternity
Leave: The Amendment Bill has sought to increase the
duration of maternity leave to be provided to a woman employee from
12 (Twelve) weeks to 26 (Twenty Six) weeks. Further, the duration
of maternity leave that a woman can avail prior to the date of the
expected
