Maternity Leave in India For Private Companies

In India, the maternity leave policy for private companies is governed by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

Here are the key points:

1. Duration: Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave for their first two children. For subsequent children, the leave is 12 weeks.
2. Eligibility: To be eligible for maternity leave, an employee must have worked for the company for at least 80 days in the 12 months preceding the date of delivery.
3. Payment: During the maternity leave, employees are entitled to receive their full wages.
4. Additional Benefits: The Act also provides for a medical bonus of ₹3,500, and certain other provisions related to the health of the employee and the child.
5. Work-from-Home Option: The Act allows for the possibility of working from home after the maternity leave period, if the nature of the work permits and if agreed upon by the employer.
6. Adoption and Surrogacy: The Act provides for maternity leave in cases of adoption or surrogacy as well, but the leave is typically 12 weeks.

Private companies can offer more generous benefits, but they must adhere to these minimum requirements.