Objective and Applicability of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 – The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 protects the dignity of motherhood and ensures facility of healthy maintenance of the mother and the child. Any woman employee either directly employed or through contractor is covered under this Act. In West Bengal, women employees who are working in shops and commercial establishment are also covered under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. A woman has to work for a minimum period of 80 days in the last 12 months in order to be eligible under this Act.
Marital Status of the Woman – The marital status of the woman employee, whether married or not, is immaterial and this Act is applicable irrespective of her marital status.
Benefits to be Given to the Employee – A woman employee is entitled to paid leaves for six weeks before delivery and six weeks after delivery along with Rs.3,500/- medical bonus if her employer does not provide free medical care to her. If sufficient medical proof is produced, an employee is further entitled to a maximum of one month paid leave additionally.
To solve all your queries related to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, contact a Kolkata based Labour Law Advocate who is specialised in this Act.
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