The full quota of 135 or 15 days may be taken at one go. It may initially be taken for a shorter period and then extended up to four-and-a-half month maximum in case of woman staff. However, no employee can claim the leave more than six weeks after childbirth.
Other leave can be granted in continuation of maternity leave if the newborn falls ill. In such a case an authorised doctor has to certify that the condition of the newborn requires personal care of the mother and her presence is very important for the child's health, the notification says.
This leave can be availed of in cases of abortion and miscarriage as well. But in such instances the maximum permissible limit would be six weeks. These leaves would be granted only on recommendation of registered medical practitioners.
(Source- Hindustan Times, 18/04/07)
