The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is a labor law act that aims to provide paid leave to women employees for maternity purposes. The act applies to all establishments that employ 10 or more employees. It allows women to take up to 26 weeks of paid leave for up to two children, as well as 12 weeks of leave for adoption or surrogacy. The act also provides for certain other benefits such as medical bonus, nursing breaks, and protection from dismissal during maternity leave. It is applicable to all women employees, including temporary, daily wage, and contractual employees.