<span style="color: #222222;">In a path-breaking development, Kerala is extending maternity leave benefits to teachers and other staff of private educational institutions, including those in the unaided sector. The Central Government has approved the Kerala Government's decision to bring these teachers and employees under the Maternity Benefit Act.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">When the amendment to the Act comes into force, Kerala would become the first state in the country to provide maternity benefits in the private educational sector. A meeting of the state cabinet held on August 29 this year had decided to approach the Centre to approach the Centre to issue a notification in this regard.  <br />''<br />''Employees covered under the law can avail 26 weeks' maternity leave with salary. Moreover, an employer has to provide an amount of 1,000 rupees as a medical allowance.</span><br />