An insured woman covered under the ESI Act 1948 delivers a baby and claims maternity benefit. At what percentage of her average daily wages is this benefit payable?

• A 70 percent
• B 80 percent
• C 90 percent
• D 100 percent ✓

Explanation

Maternity benefit under the ESI scheme is the only cash benefit paid at the full rate, that is 100 percent of average daily wages, currently for 26 weeks. This contrasts with sickness benefit at 70 percent and disablement benefits at 90 percent of wages. The full-wage provision is designed to replace income completely during confinement, which is why it stands apart from all other ESI cash benefits.

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

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