India more than doubles maternity leave

    After months of talks and negotiations India's parliament has finally agreed to pass a law which means paid maternity leave will increase from 12 to 26 weeks.

    The new allowance will only be available for the first two children, after that the paid maternity leave will drop back to 12 weeks.

    The new law will apply to all organisations which employ more than 10 people.

    Maneka Gandhi, Minister of Women and Child Development, said “I am very happy that history has been made. This will help thousands of women and I hope the new law will encourage more women to pursue their careers after pregnancy."

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