In
a welcome move, the Centre has announced that maternity leave in private
sectors will be increased to 26 weeks from the stipulated 12 weeks. According
to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 female workers are entitled to a maximum of
12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave, with not more than 6 weeks before the
date of delivery (Indian Express).
Year 2015
will be the bench mark year as far as maternity leaves are concerned. Merissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo was making news
across the world as she planned to take only two weeks maternity leave to
deliver twins in December. On the other hand scene in India is looking brighter.
This
year companies are seems to be becoming more diversity conscious and making
inclusive policies for women employees. Maternity benefit is one of the most
important benefits always been talked about. Newest organizations are going
extra miles for women and setting high benchmarks in the industry.
Citi India is offering leaves of 180 days
as per the convenience of mother.
Citi Bank offers child care allowance of
Rs. 1.32 lakhs annually for up to 4 children.
Filpkart has recently announced 6 months
paid leave and 4 months of flexible working hours with full pay.
Google offers 5 months paid leave
including salary, bonus and stock.
Does that mean that India has one of the best
maternity benefits across the world? As per NDTV news data we get to see the
global view on maternity leaves:
|
Canada
|
50 weeks with
85% pay
|
|
Sweden
|
56 weeks with
80% pay
|
|
Australia
|
No maternity
leave only parental leave of 18 weeks which can be divided amongst parents
|
|
Finland
|
Paid leave of
50 days before delivery and 4 months after delivery
|
|
France
|
16 weeks leave for
single birth and up to 34 weeks for multiple births
|
|
Germany
|
14 weeks leave
with full pay
|
|
Japan
|
14 weeks leave
with 67% salary
|
|
USA
|
12 Weeks unpaid
leave but given benefits from state
|
|
South Africa
|
16 weeks leave
|
So
Indians have reason to smile. Experts mentioned extending maternity leave will
also promote more women to return to work and close the gender gap in the
labour market. Many women reluctantly drop out of work because they need more
time for their newborns.
The
news went viral of social networking sites and got to see lot of reactions from
women and men as well. Though the news is positive, women have expressed their
concerns about job security once they come back.
One
of the ladies working an advertising company said, “Mixed emotions right now since it might even
give room to decelerate the lady's career growth considering 26 weeks is 6.5
months!!! I would be all for it if they make that optional rather than
mandating it!”
At the same time one young girl doubted about
promotions and appraisals. Men also
expressed hopes on the alteration in paternity leave.
The surprising comment was, “I really will
think twice before taking such a long leave. It will impact my career.”
At the same time there are many working women
who are not aware about the policies. The picture seems to be good in MNCs and
in unorganized sectors women are not able to avail even existing policy. The
uniformity in execution of maternity leave policy seems to be missing. To
ensure the implementation of the policy government need to develop mechanism.
The small scale companies where there is less than 20 workers face major
challenge to implement this policy. Industry is moving forward contractual employment;
women working on contract basis may not be able to avail this facility. The
biggest question remain unanswered for working women face is do firm assure
that their career path will not be affected if female employees choose to take
career break?
*Note: The author has put together
various views expressed in numerous news and articles.
