The International Labour Organization extends its heartiest congratulations to the Government of India on the approval of the proposal seeking to grant six months’ maternity leave to women employees thus doubling the time off post child-birth. This step will empower scores of Indian women to stay in the labour market, and drive India’s growth engine.

It is worthwhile to note that the narrative of India's economic growth is equally made by the work of women in varied professions – scientists, management leaders, academicians, artists, politicians and others. ILO congratulates each and every working Indian mother on this victory.

This welcoming step taken by the government is in line with the Article 3 and 4 of the international labour standard, ILO’s Maternity Protection Convention C-183. This convention offers maternity protection to all working women so as to ensure that pregnant or breast feeding mothers are not obliged to work given their care needs.