BENEFITS UNDER THE MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961

CASH BENEFITS
· Leave with average pay for six weeks before the delivery.
· Leave with average pay for six weeks after the delivery.
· A medical bonus of Rs.1000 if the employer does not provide free medical care to the woman.
· An additional leave with pay up to one month if the woman shows proof of illness due to the pregnancy, delivery, miscarriage, or premature birth.
· In case of miscarriage, six weeks leave with average pay from the date of miscarriage.
NON CASH BENEFITS/PRIVILEGE
· Light work for ten weeks (six weeks plus one month) before the date of her expected delivery, if she asks for it.
· Two nursing breaks in the course of her daily work until the child is 15 months old.
· No discharge or dismissal while she is on maternity leave.
· No change to her disadvantage in any of the conditions of her employment while on maternity leave.
· Pregnant women discharged or dismissed may still claim maternity benefit from the employer.

EXCEPTION: Women dismissed for gross misconduct lose their right under the Act for Maternity Benefit