Punjab Government on Tuesday instructed all departments to strictly comply with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
The Government has issued written instructions to all departments asking them to comply with the provisions of the Act in true spirits.
The Union Government has notified the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, and the provisions of the Amendment Act have come into force with effect from April 1, 2017, except those relating to crèche facility which would come into force from July 1, 2017.
Official spokesperson said that the Union labour Ministry has been receiving number of queries from various quarters relating the revised provisions of the Act. After examining the queries, the Union Ministry of labour and Employment has issued certain clarifications on various provisions of the new maternity act.
Spokesperson said that it has been clarified by the Union Ministry that this Act is also applicable to all women who are employed in any capacity directly or through any agency, that is either on contractual or as consultant.
Those women employee who had already availed 12 weeks of maternity leave before enforcement of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, that is April 1, 2017, shall not be entitled to avail the extended benefit of the 26 weeks leave.
He further said that any dismissal or discharge of women during the pregnancy is unlawful and such employer can be punished under Section 21 of the Act.
Spokesperson said that the Maternity Benefit Act is applicable to all mines, plantations, shops and establishments and factories, which could be either in organised sector or unorganised sector.