New Maternity Leave Rules in India for Private Companies
The Government of India Official Gazette notification dated 31 March 2017 has appointed 1 April 2017 as the date on which the Maternity Benefit Act 2017 for private companies has come into force. However, the provision on the "work from home" option will come into effect from 1 July 2017.
Among the many changes a few that stand out are:
Women employees will now be able to get paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, up from 12 weeks.
Every establishment with fifty or more employees will be now required provide a creche facility within a prescribed distance.
Employers are bound to allow four visits a day to the creche by a woman employee.
Based on the nature of work, an employer can also permit a woman to work from home after she has availed maternity leave, upon mutual consent.
A female employee cannot be asked to resign from her services during the maternity leaves.
