India has amongst the most progressive laws on maternity benefits. But a large majority of India’s workforce is engaged in informal work. Further, the law exempts small firms from having to provide these benefits. As a result, 93.5% of women workers in the country cannot access maternity benefits, our analysis of government data shows. This year, the Union budget has earmarked Rs 3 lakh crore to initiatives that enhance the participation of women in India’s workforce, including initiatives such as establishment of childcare facilities and hostels for working women. Last month, the Delhi High Court called for a re-evaluation of the policy restricting maternity leave for government employees with more than two children. The bench emphasised that measures be aimed at offering incentives and disincentives to parents rather than children.