Maternity Benefit Act & Returning Mothers

Legal Awareness & Workplace Readiness | 1-Hour Session

This 1-hour legal awareness session is designed to help organisations understand and implement their obligations under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (as amended), while also sensitising managers and teams on how to support women employees during pregnancy and after they return to work.

Date: 7th March 2026
Speakers: Adv. Vamsi Mohana
Timing: 11AM to 12PM – 1 hour session
Modality: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

What This Session Covers

1. Legal Framework & Points of Contact (POC)

• Overview of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961(as amended) and its
• compliance requirements
• Understanding internal reporting channels and escalation mechanisms
• Role of HR, Legal, and management in handling maternity benefit-related concerns

2. Rights of Women Employees under the Act

• Statutory maternity leave entitlements and wage protection
• Protection against termination or adverse action during maternity leave
• Nursing breaks and continuity of service
• Key protections available to women employees during pregnancy and post-return

3. Employer Obligations & Compliance Requirements

• Statutory duties of employers under the Act
• Payment of maternity benefits and record-keeping obligations
• Workplace facilities and policy alignment
• Legal consequences of non-compliance

4. Good Practices Beyond Legal Compliance

• Creating a supportive return-to-work framework
• Sensitising managers and teams
• Flexible work practices (where feasible)
• Building a culture of non-discrimination and dignity at work

5. Returning Mothers: Practical Workplace Considerations

• Reintegration into teams and roles
• Managing workload transitions and expectations
• Addressing bias, stigma, and career continuity concerns
• Navigating workplace support systems

Who Should Attend

• HR and People Operations teams
• Managers, supervisors, and team leads
• Legal, Compliance, and Ethics teams
• POSH Internal Committee members and DEI stakeholders
• Women employees, including expectant and returning mothers
• Senior leadership involved in policy, people management, and workplace culture