Introduction
In spite of the changing work environment, maternity leave has been an issue of uncertainty since it often holds the potential to reduce wages and lower chances of getting promotions. Hence, the paid maternity system should be adopted by all the companies in the world. It would not only benefit women but also lead to gender equality.
Difference Between Maternity Leave And Paternity Leave
Maternity leave is allowed only for women, whereas paternity leave can be permitted for men and women. Maternity leave can extend up to 18 weeks, but paternity leave can be of three months.
According to the enactment of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the government has recognised the importance of paid maternity leave. This law is applicable to the following:
a. The various factories hiring women
b. Shops or any other establishment
c. Offices or workplaces
Benefits Provided By The Law
1. After delivery, a woman can take six weeks of leave from her workplace.
2. Working women would be paid their wages timely with less reduction.
3. Paternity leave should be granted for fifteen days.
Benefits Of The Paid Maternity And Paternity Leave
In 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act stated that the leaves taken for maternity or paternity should be unpaid. But nowadays, more and more companies are paying the people taking maternity or paternity leaves, which is a good thing. The benefits of these can be as follows-
1. Employees get more time to engage in their personal lives without any workload. There would be no fear of losing the job nor the stress of other responsibilities at the office. Hence, both men and women can spend time with their newborns.
2. The company can retain loyal and highly efficient workers since the parents will not leave the company as they would be getting wages per month.
3. It increases the morale of the company and its productivity.
4. The mental as well as physical well being of the parents can be maintained.
Conclusion
Both paid maternity and paternity leave benefit working men and women. It honours and respects motherhood, and parental leave is essential to take care of newborns. The private institutions should consider the guidelines given by the government and pay them accordingly during maternity or paternity leave.
FAQs
Why are paternity and maternity leave necessary?
It reduces gender discrimination, and lessens the burden placed over the shoulders of women.
How is India following the laws made for paternity leave?
There are Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules in 1972, which gives provision to male government employees to take paternity leave in India for 15 days.
What is the duration of paternity and maternity leave?
Duration varies from country to country. But it is usually six months for pregnant women and about two months for paternity leave.
Can casual leave be mixed with paternity leave?
They are separate and cannot be mixed.
Does a woman not work at all after taking maternity leave?
She can work from home, if possible.
