Latest news with #MaternityBenefit(Amendment)Act
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Progressive laws are the foundation of a civilised society, says High Court Judge
Madras High Court Judge G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, at an awareness programme in Namakkal, said that many progressive laws have been enacted in our country to improve the dignity and safety of women. A district-level awareness programme for gender sensitisation and elimination of violence against women was held on the premises of District Government Medical College on Saturday (July 26, 2025). Principal District and Sessions Judge R. Gurumurthy delivered the welcome address. Speaking at the programme, Justice Ilanthiraiyan said the laws that promote gender equality, equity, empowerment of women, and prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace are being fully implemented. They are the foundation of a civilised society. As guardians of the law, we are responsible for justice for every citizen. He emphasised that yet, for a long time, justice has remained unequal in its delivery, especially along gender lines. Justice Ilanthiraiyan shared that over the years, India has enacted several progressive laws to address gender injustice and to enhance the dignity and safety of women. 'Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the right to equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017; the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006; and the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, provide protection and empower women,' he added. Stating that laws, no matter how much progressive, can only achieve their objectives if they are properly implemented, Justice Ilanthiraiyan said that women across the country faced challenges ranging from gender-based violence, discriminatory employment practices, political underrepresentation, and culture. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, more than 4.5 lakh cases of crimes against women have been registered, which is more than in previous years. The female labour force participation rate in India is at 32.8%, significantly lower than the global average of 50%. Women constitute only 15% of the members of the Lok Sabha. The proposed Women's Reservation Bill, which would provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, remains an aspiration rather than a reality. Women now account for 43% of STEM graduates in India, one of the highest in the world, he added. On Saturday morning, Justice Ilanthiraiyan laid the foundation for the construction of five judicial officers' quarters at the master plan complex in Namakkal.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Creche-cum-women's space inaugurated at RySS
Guntur: RythuSadhikara Samstha (RySS) at its state office located in Gorantla here inaugurated its integrated crèche-cum-women's space named 'The Eco-Nest'. T Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-Chairman inaugurated the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of nearly 200 employees. CEO of RySS B Rama Rao was also present. Eco-Nest (for the future roots) is a model Crèche-cum-Women's Space aimed at providing a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children (6 months to 6 years) of RySS employees. Simultaneously, it functions as a dedicated space for women employees, supporting their well-being, dignity, and active participation in the workplace. This initiative reflects RySS's commitment to fostering gender-equitable workspaces and supporting women's rights and welfare, aligned with India's statutory mandates, including Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 says requiring crèche facilities in establishments with over 50 employees, POSH Act, 2013 ensuring safe working environments and enabling grievance redressal mechanisms, Factories Act, 1948 (Section 48) mandating crèche facilities in workplaces employing more than 30 women. For working parents, especially mothers, the Eco-Nest enables post-maternity reintegration, reduces work-life conflict, and enhances morale and productivity. For the organisation, it fosters employee retention, reinforces a gender-inclusive work culture, and showcases RySS as a progressive and responsible employer. Eco-Nest integrates best practices such as combined child care and rest facilities, lactation and counselling spaces, early learning activities and storytelling for children, participatory design with employee feedback.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Reproductive rights, population control, and more: What Supreme Court said on maternity leaves in recent ruling
Written by Rishu Jaiswal The Supreme Court passed a significant ruling on May 23 allowing 'maternity benefit' to a Tamil Nadu-based teacher for her third child under Fundamental Rule 101 (a). The woman — an English teacher at a government higher secondary school — sought relief after her plea was rejected by the Madras High Court. Fundamental Rule 101(a), pertaining to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 1961, addresses the eligibility criteria for maternity leave of state government servants in India. Here's what the Supreme Court said: # The apex court set aside the judgment declining maternity leave to the school teacher, and said she was entitled to receive maternity benefits despite having two children. # Maternity leave is integral to maternity benefits and reproductive rights are now recognised as part of international human rights law like right to health, privacy, equality and non-discrimination and dignity, remarked the Supreme Court. While hearing the matter, a division bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan disagreed with the findings of the Madras HC and said, 'Thus, as can be seen…, through various international conventions, the world community has recognized the broad spectrum of reproductive rights which includes maternity benefits.' # Emphasising on the Article 21 of the Constitution, the top court bench said, 'By judicial interpretation, it has been held that life under Article 21 means life in its fullest sense; all that which makes life more meaningful, worth living like a human being. Right to life includes all the finer graces of human civilization, thus rendering this fundamental right a repository of various human rights. Right to life also includes the right to health. Right to live with human dignity and the right to privacy are now acknowledged facets of Article 21.' # The Supreme Court also noted that the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, does not bar maternity leave for women with more than two children, and only limits the duration of leave — 26 weeks for those with up to two children, and 12 weeks for those with more. It said that maternity leave itself is not denied based on the number of children. # The court also acknowledged the importance of population control measures, and said, 'Population control and reproductive rights are not mutually exclusive goals. They must be reconciled in a rational, humane manner.' A timeline of the case in SC The woman started working as an English teacher at a government higher secondary school in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district in 2012. She had two children from her first marriage, which ended in a divorce in 2017. The kids are in the custody of her former husband. After marrying again in 2018, she became pregnant in 2021 and applied for maternity leave from August 17, 2021, to May 13, 2022, covering both pre- and post-natal periods. Her application for leave was rejected, and she subsequently filed a case in the high court. Initially, the case went to a single-judge bench who ruled in her favour and ordered the government organisation to grant her maternity leave. However, the state government challenged the decision, and a division bench of the HC reversed the decision, prompting the woman to approach the apex court. — with inputs from PTI Rishu Jaiswal is an intern with
