Kerala to Provide Maternity Leave Benefits to Teachers, Staff of Private Educational Institutions

New Delhi: In a significant development, Kerala is all set to extend maternity leave benefits to teachers and other staff engaged in the private educational institutions.

The Centre has approved the Kerala Government’s request to bring employees in the private education sector, including teachers, under the ambit of the Maternity Benefit Act.

Kerala would become the first state in the country to provide maternity benefits in the private educational sector, once the amendment to the Act comes into force.

The state cabinet, on August 29, had decided to seek the permission of the Central government to issue the notification in this regard.

Employees covered under the law can avail 26 weeks’ maternity leave with salary.

Besides, an employer has to provide an amount of 1,000 rupees as a medical allowance.