More maternity leaves would empower women: J-K Minister

Jammu and Kashmir Minister Priya Sethi today said the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, passed by the Parliament would ensure better health and wellbeing of mother and child.
The increase in maternity leaves is a welcome provision that will protect the employment of women, the J-K Minister of State for Education, Culture and Tourism said.
"Once the President gives his assent to the Bill, all working women in every establishment, public or private, will be entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave. This will pave the way for healthy and secure motherhood, and wellbeing of the child," she said.
Woman who adopt a child of below three months age will also be given 12 weeks leave from the day the child is handed over to her, the BJP leader said.

Hailing it as an "historic" step by the Centre, Sethi said the decision to make creches mandatory in etablishments with 50 or more employees will help mothers take good care of their children while they are at work.
Describing the passage of the Bill as a "landmark" moment in BJP's efforts towards women-led development, Sethi said "the children of working mothers, who used to get neglected, will now get better care".
"With this, India will take a big leap in ensuring maternity benefits to working women," she said.