MATERNITY LEAVE LOK SABHA QUESTION & ANSWER

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 672
TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

MATERNITY LEAVE

672. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

            Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

            (a)whether the Government proposes to extend the time span of the compulsory paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks in private organizations;
(b)if so, the details thereof;

            (c)whether the Government also proposes to amend section 4 of the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961, to ensure that women employed in various public sector undertakings receive the same benefit; and

            (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT 
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

            (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Government has decided to enhance the paid maternity leave from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks and an Amendment Bill in this regard was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill on 11.08.2016. With regard to women workers covered under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, such enhancement has already been effected by amending the ESI (Central) Rules,1950.

            (c) & (d): There is no proposal to amend Section 4 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The benefits under this Act are already applicable and available to women employed in various public sector undertakings.