The Lok Sabha today took up the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to enhance paid maternity leave for women engaged in organised sector from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for two surviving children. <br/><br/>Moving the bill, Minister for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya said, the amended Act will be applicable to mines, factories and all establishments employing 10 or more people. He said, the legislation will have positive impact on the women workforce. <br/><br/>The Bill requires every establishment with 50 or more employees to provide for cr'che facilities within a prescribed distance. The woman will be allowed four visits to the cr'che in a day.<br/><br/>Initiating the debate, Sushmita Dev of Congress termed the bill as significant saying that it will have social and economic impact.She also urged the government to think about inclusion of paternity benefits. Dr Pritam Gopinath Munde of BJP supported the bill and suggested for inclusion of provisions of paternity leave too.