Maternity Benefit Act

The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 is an act constructed to protect the employment of pregnant women and women who is in their maternity period. The act sanctions her with the maternity benefit that is fully paid leave and absence from work before and after the delivery to take care of her child.

The Maternity Benefit Act applies to mines, factories, circus, industry, plantation, and shops and establishments employing ten or more persons, except employees covered under the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948. It can be extended to other establishments by the state governments. In case of a woman delivers two babies and has to take care of both, she will be benefitted from 12 weeks of paid maternity leave that is 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the delivery.