RS passes Bill to enhance maternity benefits

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Agencies

Posted online: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 12:21:54
Updated: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 12:41:46

New Delhi, February 27: Women working in factories, shops and plantation will get enhanced maternity benefits once Parliament passes amendments in the law.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill 2007, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday virtually without any debate as the House plunged into pandemonium created by opposition on the farmers' plight.

Under the new law, the medical bonus paid to women under the maternity benefits would be increased to Rs 1,000 from Rs 250.

The Bill also gives powers to the Centre to enhance this benefit further subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000.

Though many members especially Jaya Bachchan (SP) and Brinda Karat (CPI-M) wanted to participate in the discussion, the Bill was passed in the din through voice vote.

The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 regulates the employment of women in factories, circus industry, plantation and shops or establishments employing ten or more persons excepting those covered under the Employees State Insurance (ESI).

The Act defines the quantum of maternity and other benefits before and after child birth.

While the amendment revises the bonus amount, the compensation equivalent to average daily wage for 12 weeks remains unchanged.

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CONTROL THE POPULATION by A.K.SHARMA on 28 Feb 2008

No doubt it is the duty of the state to provide the basic facilities to all the citizens and the maternity facilities extnded to unorganised sectors is a welcome step.But keeping in view the menace of unbridled increase of population,especially in the so-called down-trodden and underprivilaged strata of the society,the government should have put a condition of maximum two child norm for getting the benefits.Rather all the welfare schemes planned and implemented by the government should have the condition of maximum two childern.It would be still better if some sort of panelty is imposed on those,who flout the two-child norm.All the welfare schemes would certainly fail if the population is not controlled.Basic thrust should be to control the population.

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