Bill for extending maternity leave a 'priority': Government

With last few days of the parliament's Monsoon Session left, the government on Tuesday said the bill for amending the Maternity Benefit Act is a priority for it.

The bill, which will amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, has provision for 26 weeks of maternity leave, as against the present 12, as per government sources.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the bill is a "priority" for the government, but did not reveal when exactly when the bill would be brought in parliament.

The bill also has provision for commissioning and adopting mothers.

It will also lead to ratification of an ILO convention for maternity leaves. The International Labour Organization's (ILO) Convention No 183 provides for 14 weeks of maternity benefit to women.

The Monsoon Session will end on August 12.

--IANS

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