Advocate Girish Jayram

  Under the Maternity Benefit Act in India, eligible female employees are entitled to receive a medical bonus as a form of financial assistance during their pregnancy. The medical bonus is paid in addition to the regular maternity benefit and is designed to help cover the costs of medical expenses related to the pregnancy. Specifically, the Maternity Benefit Act provides for the payment of a medical bonus equivalent to 3,500 Indian rupees (as of 2021) to female employees who have worked for their employer for at least 80 days in the 12 months preceding the date of delivery. The medical bonus is payable regardless of whether the female employee has taken maternity leave or not. The medical bonus is intended to help offset the cost of prenatal and postnatal medical expenses, including doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications. It is a one-time payment that is made along with the regular maternity benefit amount. Overall, the medical bonus provision under the Mater...

  The Payment of Gratuity Act is a labour law in India that provides for the payment of gratuity to employees who have worked continuously for at least five years in an organization with 10 or more employees. Gratuity is a lump sum amount paid to employees as a token of appreciation for their long-term service and is typically paid at the time of retirement, resignation, or death. Under the Payment of Gratuity Act, eligible employees are entitled to receive a gratuity amount that is equivalent to 15 days' salary for each completed year of service, subject to a maximum of 20 lakhs (as of 2021). The Act also specifies certain conditions for the payment of gratuity, such as the requirement for the employer to establish a gratuity fund or obtain a gratuity insurance policy for the benefit of its employees. The Act also provides for the nomination of a beneficiary by the employee to whom the gratuity amount would be paid in the event of the employee's death before the gratuity i...

  Much awaited and yet to get implemented in Indian labour law context are four new labour codes, which consolidate and amend several labour laws that were in place for decades. The four codes are: Code on Wages, 2019: This code combines four existing laws related to the payment of wages and benefits to workers. It aims to provide a universal minimum wage to all workers, including those in the unorganized sector. The code also introduces a statutory concept of "floor wage" that provides a benchmark minimum wage for all workers. Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020: This code replaces 13 existing laws related to the working conditions of workers. It aims to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all workers and ensures that they are provided with basic amenities such as restrooms, canteens, and first aid facilities. The code also covers aspects such as working hours, leave, and ov...