The maternity leave rules in India are designed to protect the rights of working women, ensuring they receive paid leave during pregnancy and after childbirth. Under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, eligible women employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid leave for their first two children and 12 weeks for the third child.
To qualify, a woman must have worked for at least 80 days in the 12 months preceding her delivery. The law also grants an additional one-month leave in case of complications. For adoptive mothers, the Act provides 12 weeks of leave for a child below three months.
Employers with more than 50 employees must also provide crèche facilities. These maternity leave rules in India ensure financial security and work-life balance for new mothers. Understanding these regulations helps women plan their careers while prioritizing their health and their child’s well-being.
