UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?

1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.
2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily.
3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation:

• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, is enacted to regulate the employment of women in certain establishments to provide them with maternity benefits and certain other benefits. In March 2017, the Central Government amended this act to increase paid maternity leave for all women employees.
  
  
• Under Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, 

• • The maximum period for which any woman shall be entitled to maternity benefits shall be twenty-six weeks. Eight weeks up to the day of her delivery and the remaining weeks immediately following that day. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  • An employer shall allow four visits a day to the creche by the women. So, statement 2 is not correct.

• The maximum period entitled to maternity benefits by women having two or more surviving children will be twelve weeks (less than twenty-six weeks). So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | Governance