Following the enactment of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, what is the maximum duration of paid maternity leave entitlement for an eligible female employee having fewer than two surviving children?

Under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, the duration of paid maternity leave for women employees having fewer than two surviving children was increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Out of these 26 weeks, a maximum of 8 weeks can be availed prior to the expected date of delivery, with the remaining balance availed post-delivery. Note on Subsequent Children: For women who already have two or more surviving children, the paid maternity leave entitlement remains 12 weeks (with a maximum of 6 weeks preceding the expected date of delivery).