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
Statement 1 is incorrect: The 2017 amendment increased the total paid maternity leave entitlement from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Of this, an expectant woman can avail up to 8 weeks pre-delivery (not three months / 12 weeks) and the remaining post-delivery.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Establishments with 50 or more employees are legally required to provide crèche facilities and must allow the mother four visits a day to the crèche (including the interval for rest), not six visits.
Statement 3 is correct: Under the Act, women who have two or more surviving children are entitled to a reduced paid maternity benefit of 12 weeks (up to 6 weeks pre-delivery and 6 weeks post-delivery).
Hence, only statement 3 is correct — Option C.