> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://library.zemuria.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 9.3 Maternity and Parental Leave Policy

## 1. Scope & Applicability

This policy applies exclusively to women employees on Zemuria’s payroll where an employer–employee relationship exists. Independent consultants, freelancers, and third-party staffing resources are excluded unless mandated by law.

This policy is statutory in nature and overrides any conflicting internal policy.

## 2. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for maternity benefits, an employee must have:

* Worked at least 80 working days in the 12 months immediately preceding the expected date of delivery

## 3. Maternity Leave – Biological Mothers (India)

### 3.1 Duration

* Eligible employees may avail up to 26 weeks (182 days) of paid maternity leave
* Leave may be taken pre-natal and post-natal in any proportion, at the employee’s discretion
* There is no restriction based on the number of children

### 3.2 Pay During Maternity Leave

* Maternity benefit shall be paid at 100% of average wages
* Average wages are calculated based on the average of the last 3 months’ payroll immediately preceding maternity leave
* Includes:
  * Basic Pay
  * Dearness Allowance (if applicable)
  * Fixed monthly allowances
* Excludes:
  * Variable pay
  * Incentives
  * Bonuses
  * One-time payments

Any salary revision already effective prior to maternity leave will be included in the calculation. Revisions not yet effective may be applied upon return to active service.

## 4. Adoption & Commissioning Mothers

* Adoption mothers (child below 3 months) and commissioning mothers are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave
* Payment shall be at 100% of average wages, as defined above

## 5. Miscarriage / Medical Termination

* In the event of miscarriage or medical termination, employees are eligible for 6 weeks of paid leave
* Medical certification is mandatory

> Any extension beyond statutory entitlement, if granted, is a company-provided benefit and not a statutory right.

## 6. Statutory Benefits During Maternity Leave

During maternity leave:

* Employee remains in continuous service
* PF / EPF contributions (both employer and employee) shall continue
* Gratuity and service tenure shall continue uninterrupted
* Employment cannot be terminated except for gross misconduct unrelated to pregnancy

## 7. Post-Maternity Return to Work

* Employees are entitled to return to the same or equivalent role
* Flexible arrangements may be considered by HR on a case-by-case basis
* No employee may be compelled to resign, serve a bond, or refund maternity benefits

## 8. Abuse & Misrepresentation

Any false representation or misuse of maternity benefits may attract disciplinary action as per company policy.