The object of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is to protect the dignity of motherhood by providing for the full and healthy maintenance of woman and her child when she is not working. Therefore this Act was passed aiming at a uniform maternity benefit all over the country providing Maternity Leave to all eligible female employees.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 19 applies to: Factory, Mines, Plantation, Government Establishment, Exhibition of equestrian, Acrobatics & other performances.
Shops and establishments with 10 or more person employed By Notification to other establishments, Industrial, commercial, agricultural or otherwise after giving notice.
ELIGIBILITYEvery women shall be eligible for maternity benefit when she is expecting a child and has worked for her employer for at least 80 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery (Section 5).