Maternity Benefit Act | Meaning and Definition

What is the maternity benefit act?

This act was made to safeguard pregnant women and women on their maternity leave from losing their jobs. The law provides women with a benefit which includes fully paid leave and time off from work after birth to care for their child.

Except for personnel covered by the Employees State Insurance Act of 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act applies to mines, factories, circuses, industries, plantations, shops, and businesses employing 10 or more people. The state governments might extend it to other institutions.

If a woman has two infants and needs to care for both, she will be given  12 weeks of paid maternity leave, which will begin six weeks before and last six weeks after the birth.