(a)whether there is any proposal to amend the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 and increase the maternity leave period from the current 12 weeks to 26 weeks for the women employed in private sector;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether there is any policy/guidelines governing/pertaining to maternity and paternity leaves in private sector; and
(d)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): A proposal to increase maternity benefit to woman covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks, is under consideration of the Government.
(c) & (d): Maternity benefits to woman covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 are governed as per provisions contained in the Act. However, there is no provision of Paternity Leave under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
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