Jammu, Feb 17,: The Government on Tuesday ruled out any extension of maternity leave or payment of honorarium during the leave period for contractual female workers, citing financial constraints.
Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo made the statement while responding to a question raised by BJP MLA Shagun Parihar in the Legislative Assembly. The legislator had sought extension of maternity leave for contractual female workers and proposed that accidental cases be granted two months of leave with honorarium.
In her reply, the Minister stated that there is no proposal under consideration to extend maternity leave benefits with honorarium to contractual female workers. She added that granting such benefits would involve significant financial implications for the government.
The Minister maintained that the existing provisions will continue as per current policy framework.. [KNT]
