An insured woman covered under the ESI Act 1948 delivers a baby and claims maternity benefit. At what rate is this benefit payable?

• A 50% of average daily wages
• B 70% of average daily wages
• C 75% of average daily wages
• D 100% of average daily wages ✓

Explanation

Maternity benefit under ESI is paid at the FULL rate, 100% of average daily wages, for up to 84 days (extendable by 70 days in specific circumstances). Students often mark 70% here because that is the rate for ordinary sickness benefit; the fact that maternity is the only cash benefit paid at full wage rate is the discriminating point tested by this item.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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