Paid Maternity Leave: Know Your Employment Rights

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Jalna | Law & Power, a women’s legal-literacy initiative of Inner Wheel Club of Jalna Horizon, led by president Suchita Bagdiya, is drawing attention to everyday rights that women can exercise under Indian law.

Paid Maternity Leave: Know Your Employment Rights

Under the Maternity Benefit Act, eligible employees may receive up to 26 weeks’ maternity benefit for the first two surviving children, subject to statutory conditions; generally 12 weeks apply where the woman has two or more surviving children. Eligible adoptive and commissioning mothers may receive 12 weeks under specified conditions. Coverage, qualifying service and applicable employment rules matter.

What women can do

If you face this issue, record relevant facts and seek timely advice from a qualified lawyer or competent authority. Legal outcomes depend on the evidence and the applicable statutory requirements.

Adv. Ashwini Mahesh Dhannawat’s statement

“Legal awareness is the foundation of women’s empowerment. A woman who understands her constitutional and legal rights is better equipped to protect her dignity, safety and independence. Through the Law & Power initiative of Inner Wheel Club of Jalna Horizon, under the leadership of president Suchita Bagdiya, our objective is to ensure that every woman understands the law and has the confidence to seek justice.”

This educational report is part of the Law & Power awareness series. Background reading: Law Trend, ‘Ten Laws That Every Woman Should Know’ (2021). Statutory references have been updated for newer Indian criminal laws.