CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT 1961 AND THEIR AMENDMENT- 2017

AUTHOR – V. LALITHA, STUDENT AT TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW CHENNAI TARAMANI

BEST CITATION – V. LALITHA, CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT 1961 AND THEIR AMENDMENT- 2017, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (5) OF 2025, PG. 318-326, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

IN 2017 OF MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT :  Focusing on the advancement and protection of working women’s rights is crucial given the present rise in the number of women participating in the workforce, particularly young urban women.  More than ever, there is a need to develop a gender-friendly labor market by creating a favorable work environment.  The government now plays a bigger part in creating an atmosphere that promotes social justice in both the organized and unorganized sectors.  The Maternity Benefit Act, which was first adopted by the Indian government in 1961 and subsequently revised in 2017, is a step toward this type of social justice. This essay examines the maternity benefit act’s reach and concentrates on the long-term viability of the changes as well as shifting industry dynamics. The study concludes with a suggestion for strengthening the Maternity Benefit Act to make it more inclusive.

The Maternity benefits (Amendment) Act 1961 are to women at the rate of the average daily income for the duration of their real absences. All women are entitled to these benefits, and their employers are responsible for paying them. It is critical to acknowledge that women’s participation in the employment market has significantly increased in recent years, mostly in urban regions.  Furthermore, young women in cities are mostly responsible for the rise in women’s employment.  Growing awareness of the need to provide a working environment is a result of India’s commitment to establishing a gender-friendly labour market.

KEY WORDS : Social Justice, Government, Maternity, and the Maternity Benefit Act etc.