Objects of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Objects of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961-

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

To Protect the Employment of Women-

→To ensure that a woman does not lose her job due to pregnancy or childbirth.

→Prevents dismissal, discharge, or termination during maternity period.

To Provide Paid Maternity Leave-

→To grant paid leave before and after delivery, so that women can take rest without fear of loss of wages.

→Ensures economic security during motherhood.

To Safeguard the Health of Mother and Child-

→Prevents employment in arduous, hazardous, or long-hour work during pregnancy.

→Aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

To Ensure Dignity and Humane Working Conditions-

→Pregnancy is treated as a natural biological function, not a disability.

→Ensures humane conditions of work as mandated under Article 42 of the Constitution.

To Promote Gender Justice and Equality-

→Removes discrimination against women on the ground of pregnancy.

→Reinforces Articles 14, 15(3), and 21 of the Constitution.

To Provide Social Security to Working Women-

→Maternity benefit is a statutory right, not a charity.

→Supports women belonging to economically weaker sections.

To Prevent Exploitation by Employers-

→Stops employers from forcing women to work during pregnancy or immediately after delivery.

→Prohibits denial of wages or benefits during maternity period.

To Encourage Childcare and Breastfeeding-

→Provides nursing breaks and crèche facilities.

→Promotes early childhood care and healthy upbringing.

To Extend Protection Beyond Natural Birth-

→Covers miscarriage, medical termination, adoption, and surrogacy.

→Reflects modern understanding of motherhood.

To Give Effect to International Labour Standards-

→Aligns with ILO conventions on maternity protection.

→Shows India’s commitment to international labour welfare norms.

Reference Case-