Earlier, the paid maternity leave in India was 12 weeks for working women. After the amendments in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, that period is now 26 weeks.
This is eligible for women working in an organization that has more than 10 employees.
The prenatal leave has increased as well from 6 weeks to 8 weeks.
Also, a woman who already has two children is eligible for 12 weeks of maternity leave for the third child and other children in the future.
Similarly, if you adopt a child under the age of three months, you’ll be eligible for maternity leave of 12 weeks.
In addition to these leaves, women are also qualified for an extended one month off in case of critical illness post-maternity.
NOTE: A woman is eligible for paid leaves under the mentioned Act only if she has completed working for at least 80 days in the organization in the last one year.
In addition to leaves, pregnant women are also entitled to INR 3,500 as a medical bonus. And they can further draw INR 6,000 under the National Food Security Act 2013.