The purpose of the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 is to safeguard the employment of women who are pregnant or in the maternity period. The maternity benefit, which includes fully paid leave and time off from work before and after the birth to care for her kid, is sanctioned by the act.
With the exception of workers insured by the Employees State Insurance Act of 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act is applicable to mines, factories, circuses, industry, plantations, and stores and businesses that employ ten or more people. The state governments have the authority to expand it to additional establishments. A woman is entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, which includes 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the delivery, if she gives birth to two children and must care for both.
