MATERNITY BENEFIT LAW AND ITS PRACTICAL IMPACT ON WOMEN EMPLOYEES

Author Name: 1. Dr. Kriti Vyas

Volume/Issue: 06/12

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2026-58925731/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Assistant Professor, Dr. Anushka Vidhi Mahavidyalaya, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

This study examines the legal framework of maternity benefit laws in India and their impact on women employees, focusing on the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. The amendment expanded maternity leave to 26 weeks, introduced crèche facilities, and promoted flexible work arrangements to support women’s health, financial security, and workplace equality. The paper analyses important judicial interpretations that recognize maternity rights as part of human dignity and social justice. It highlights how these protections contribute to maternal and child health, job security, and women’s empowerment. At the same time, the study identifies major challenges in implementation, including limited coverage of women in the informal sector, lack of awareness, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the financial burden on employers. These issues often lead to indirect discrimination and restricted employment opportunities for women. The research further discusses the exclusion of gig and contractual workers from existing legal protections. It concludes that although maternity benefit laws have significantly advanced women’s rights, their effectiveness remains limited due to structural and socio-economic barriers. The study emphasizes the need for policy reforms, stronger enforcement, wider coverage, and greater awareness to create a gender-sensitive work environment where women can balance motherhood and professional responsibilities without discrimination.

Key words: Working mothers, Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 , Maternity leaves and benefits in India, Workplace Rights, Women Employees.