The Kerala Maternity Benefit Act, 1957
The Kerala Maternity Benefit Act, 1957
The Kerala Maternity Benefit Act, 1957, regulates paid maternity leave, job protection, and medical bonuses for pregnant women workers. It applies to female employees working in factories, plantations, and designated commercial or industrial establishments in the state of Kerala who meet minimum service requirements. This legislation matters because it secures the physical health and financial stability of working mothers. It safeguards their employment by prohibiting grueling labor during pregnancy, banning wrongful dismissal during maternity leave, granting paid time off for recovery, childbirth, or miscarriage, and guaranteeing daily nursing breaks to support child care after their return to work.
- 0. Preamble
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Prohibition of employment of women in certain period.
- 4. Right to maternity benefit of women in factories, plantations and other establishments.
- 5. Notice of claim of maternity benefit and payment thereof.
- 6. Leave for miscarriage.
- 7. Leave for illness arising out of pregnancy or confinement.
- 8. Payment of medical bonus.
- 9. Payment of maternity benefit in case of claimant's death.
- 10. Dismissal during pregnancy or absence.
- 11. Power of Inspector to direct payments to be made.
- 12. Forfeiture of maternity benefit.
- 13. Nursing Breaks.
- 14. Appointment of Inspectors.
- 15. Powers and duties of Inspectors.
- 16. Inspectors to be Public Servants.
- 17. Penalty for contravention of Act by Employer.
- 18. Jurisdiction of Courts.
- 19. Period of limitation for prosecution under Act.
- 20. Rules.
- 21. A copy of Act and Rules to be exhibited in Factories, Plantations and other establishments employing women
- 22. Repeal.
PDF: pending for this language.