Under the ESI Act 1948, 'Maternity Benefit' is payable to an insured woman for how many weeks in total, and what is the rate of payment as a percentage of average daily wages?

• A 16 weeks at 70% of average daily wages
• B 12 weeks at 100% of average daily wages ✓
• C 26 weeks at 100% of average daily wages
• D 12 weeks at 70% of average daily wages

Explanation

Under the ESI Act 1948, Maternity Benefit is payable to an insured woman for a maximum of 12 weeks (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after delivery) at 100% of average daily wages. In case of miscarriage, it is payable for 6 weeks. The distractor of 26 weeks refers to the Maternity Benefit Act 2017 for other establishments, but under ESI specifically, the period is 12 weeks at full wages.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

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