NEW DELHI: Labour Minister Kumar Gangwar has written to state labour ministries asking them to effectively implement the amended Maternity Benefit Act, a ministry official said.
The ministry is holding discussions with various state governments to with an aim to effectively implement the creche facility clause which was introduced in the Maternity Benefit Act. The clause mandates all offices with 50 or more employees to provide crèche facilities to working mothers.
"It was under our purview to make changes into the law, however, it is entirely for the state governments to frame rules and bring it to implementation," the official said. According to ministry officials, the matter is being discussed with state governments as it comes under the state list. "The compliance with regard to the crèche facility remains low and only the Centre can nudge state governments to effectively implement it," the official added.
The amendment also requires the creches to have appropriate rooms for children under six years of age. A mother is allowed four visits to the creche to check on her child on a daily basis, according to the law. "A few states have told us that they have notified rules under this law. It is now totally up to the state governments to bring the rules into force and implement them," the official added.