New Delhi: Rajya Sabha has passed a bill over extending maternity leave to 26 weeks from 12 weeks.

The Central government had taken this decision to give more importance to the baby care and to provide comfort to the women. The bill was passed in Loka Sabha and was sent to Rajya Sabha for the approval. Rajya Sabha has also passed the bill, on Thursday.

Moreover, the women who go on maternity leave can apply to get the cost which was spent during the leave; this will help the women to increase their efficiency.

According to the 1961 maternity act, ten or more women who are working in an organistion are eligible to get full amount of pay after going on maternity leave. Nearly 1.8 crore working women will be benefited by this bill.