The Lok Sabka has passed the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that  increases the maternity leaves from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks. This is a significant moment for the working women, particularly, who are pregnant or are planning to have a child, because sufficient maternity leave is crucial for the health of mother and child.

Studies have shown that women with 3-month-old infants who had worked full time has reported of feeling greater rates of depression, stress, poor health and overall family stress, than the mothers who were able to stay home - either because they didn’t have a job or because they were on maternity leave.

“Numerous studies show that clinical depression in mothers as well as self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety and psychological distress, are important risk factors for adverse emotional and cognitive outcomes in their children, particularly during the first few years of life,” researchers noted in a 2011 study.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the passage of a bill under which paid maternity leave in organised sectoras a "landmark moment". "Passage of the Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha is a landmark moment in our efforts towards women-led development," he tweeted.

"Increase in maternity leave is a welcome provision," Modi added. "Employment of women is protected thanks to Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill. Mandatory provision of crèche in offices is laudable," the Prime Minister said.

By Premji