Maternity Leave: Key Provisions & Benefits
What is Maternity Leave?
Maternity leave is a paid leave granted to female employees for childbirth, recovery, and childcare. As per government regulations, women with fewer than two surviving children are entitled to 180 days (6 months) of fully paid maternity leave.
Maternity Leave Rules & Benefits
- Duration: 180 days of full-paid leave from the date of commencement.
- Salary: Full pay as drawn immediately before leave.
- Leave Account: Not debited from other leave balances.
- Extension: Can be combined with other leaves (including commuted leave up to 60 days and leave not due up to two years).
- Miscarriage/Abortion: Eligible for 6 weeks of maternity leave, with a supporting medical certificate
Child Adoption Leave Rules
Female employees adopting a child below one year are entitled to 180 days of fully paid leave, provided they have fewer than two surviving children.
Adoption Leave Benefits:
- Salary: Full pay as drawn before leave.
- Leave Account: Not debited from other leave balances.
- Additional Leave: Can be combined with other types of leave, based on the child’s age at adoption:
- Below 1 month: Up to 1-year total leave.
- 6–7 months: Up to 6 months total leave.
- 9–10 months: Up to 3 months total leave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for maternity leave in India?
Any female employee with fewer than two surviving children is eligible for 180 days of paid maternity leave.
2. Can maternity leave be extended beyond 180 days?
Yes, maternity leave can be combined with additional leave, including commuted leave (up to 60 days) and leave not due (up to 2 years).
3. Can a woman get maternity leave after a miscarriage?
Yes, 6 weeks of maternity leave is granted for miscarriage or abortion, with a medical certificate.
4. What is child adoption leave, and who can avail it?
Female employees adopting a child below 1 year can take 180 days of paid leave.
Conclusion
Maternity and adoption leave policies provide essential support to working mothers. These benefits ensure financial stability, child care, and recovery time post-childbirth or adoption.
For more details on maternity leave policies and eligibility, check the official government guidelines.
Related Post
- Paternity Leave Rules for Government Servant in India