The Indian Labour Ministry is set to make life easier for women working in the private sector with flexi – timings, work-from-home and mandatory crèches within one kilometre distance of workplace.
Currently, women working in private firms can avail of 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. The other benefits depend on individual organisations. As per the changes to the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 proposed in a Cabinet note, women should be allowed to work from home for two years as part of childcare leave, along with lines as privileges available to government employees.
Companies with over 50 employees will mandatorily require having a crèche within 1 km range of office. For those organizations with fewer women employees, there will be an option for crèche pooling. Organizations in close vicinity can come together and have one crèche for their employees.
The Labour Ministry is not sure of the reactions of private organizations to this proposal. It also remains to be seen, whether, if and when this proposal becomes law, the employment of women in the private sector will reduce. On the other hand, organizations that have been running in-house crèches for a few years now are of the opinion that providing day-care to young children will definitely reduce attrition amongst working mothers.
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