New Delhi, Mar 20 (KNN) The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill 2016, that seeks to increase maternity leave to 26 weeks from the present 12 weeks, has today been approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill was earlier passed with voice vote.

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien observed that the measure was already passed by both the houses and there was only a "technical amendment" with which it was to be taken up once again.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, also provides for leave up to 12 weeks for a woman who adopts a child below the age of three months, and for commissioning mothers.

The period of maternity leave will be calculated from the date the child is handed over to the adoptive or commissioning mother.

It bill also facilitates "work from home" for nursing mothers once the leave period ends and leave period ends and has made creche facility mandatory in respect of establishments with 50 or more employees.