NEW DELHI: Parliament today gave its approval to the amendments brought in the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 with the Rajya Sabha passing the amended bill with a voice vote.
The amended bill which was moved by Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, seeks to increase maternity benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for two surviving children and 12 weeks for more than two children.
On March 9, the Lok Sabha had passed the amended bill.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the Bill was already passed by both the Houses and there was only minor amendments for which it was to be taken up once again. The Bill was then passed with a voice vote.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her ‘maternity benefit’ – that is full paid absence from work – to take care of her child.
The act is applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more persons. (AGENCIES)
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