How long is the maternity period in India and what is the compensation on it?

The Maternity Benefit Act requires an employer to offer maximum of 12 weeks of average daily wages during maternity (including the day of her delivery and six weeks immediately following that day) as well as paid leave in certain other connected contingencies.

During the one month proceeding the period of six weeks before her expected delivery or any period during that six week period for which she does not take a leave of absence, no pregnant woman shall be required by her employer to do any work likely to interfere with her pregnancy or the normal development of the fetus, or is likely to cause her miscarriage or otherwise adversely affect her health.

Any woman's maternity benefit is paid to her or to anyone she nominates in advance by the company in the notice and that she will not work in any establishment during the period for which she receives maternity benefit. The amount due for the subsequent period shall be paid by the employer to the employee within 48 hours of the child's birth.