THE MATERNITY BENEFIT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2017

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2016 aims to enhance maternity leave for women with less than two surviving children from twelve weeks to twenty-six weeks. This amendment will benefit women in various industries by providing longer maternity leave periods, enhancing their rights and flexibility. Employers must comply with the new provisions, including offering creche facilities and informing employees about available benefits. The Act seeks to enhance maternity benefits for women, increasing their entitlement period. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2016 facilitates "work from home" arrangements for mothers. Establishments with fifty or more employees must provide a creche facility within such distance as prescribed by rules, allowing four daily visits and rest intervals.