Correct Answer - Option 3 : 26 weeks
The correct answer is 26 weeks
- 2017 amendment to Maternity Benefit act increased paid maternity leave to 26 weeks from 12 weeks, with 8 weeks prior to delivery and 12 weeks after the delivery.
Key Highlights of 2017 amendment to Maternity Benefit Act
- Paid Maternity leave increased to 26 weeks from 12 weeks, with 8 weeks prior to delivery and 12 weeks after the delivery.
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No increased benefit for a third child, it is applicable for the first two children only.
- A woman who has already given birth to two or more children shall only be entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefits, of which 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the delivery.
- In the case of surrogacy or adoption, if a woman adopts a child below three months or a commissioning mother in the case of surrogacy then they are entitled to 12 weeks of Maternity benefit from the date of handover of the child to the adopting or the commissioning mother respectively.
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Crèche facility is made mandatory for the establishment employing 50 or more people.
- Now nursing breaks are increased from two to four for visits to the crèche including her interval period.
- An employer may allow a woman to work from home post the period of maternity benefit on mutually agreed conditions.
