Government subsidies or maternity insurance should go to enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-size companies, to disburse to female employees during maternity leave, which has been extended to two months, local political advisers proposed on Tuesday to the annual session.

Last May, China announced that married couples may have up to three children to promote long-term, balanced population growth. Since then, several regions in the country have extended maternity leave by at least 30 days to encourage child-rearing, including Shanghai, which now provides 60 days of maternity leave.

During maternity leave, mothers' wages must still be paid by their employers, which can be a great burden to small businesses.