{"id":230247,"date":"2026-10-06T13:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T07:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/?p=230247"},"modified":"2026-10-06T13:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T07:35:20","slug":"maternity-benefit-act-1961","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/","title":{"rendered":"Maternity Benefit Act 1961 Objectives, Key Provisions &amp; Recent Revision"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_77 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_is_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961\" >What is the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Download_EPFO_APFC_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961_Quiz_PDF\" >Download EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz PDF<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Attempt_UPSC_EPFO_APFC_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961_Quiz\" >Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Sign_Up\" >Sign Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Login\" >Login<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Forgot_Password\" >Forgot Password<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#i\" >&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#Who_is_covered_under_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\" >Who is covered under the Maternity Benefit Act?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_are_the_key_maternity_leave_provisions\" >What are the key maternity leave provisions?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_other_benefits_are_provided_under_the_Act\" >What other benefits are provided under the Act?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_are_the_provisions_for_adopting_and_commissioning_mothers\" >What are the provisions for adopting and commissioning mothers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_is_the_creche_facility_under_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\" >What is the cr\u00e8che facility under the Maternity Benefit Act?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#What_was_the_major_update_to_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\" >What was the major update to the Maternity Benefit Act?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is an important labour law that protects the employment and maternity rights of women workers. It provides maternity leave, paid maternity benefits, nursing breaks, and other protections related to pregnancy and childbirth. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 brought major changes, including increasing maternity leave to 26 weeks for eligible women. For exams such as UPSC EPFO, it is also important to understand how these provisions relate to the Code on Social Security, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-maternity-benefit-act-1961\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961\"><\/span>What is the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was introduced to regulate the employment of women during pregnancy and provide maternity benefits and related protection. It aims to ensure that women can take maternity leave without losing their employment or wages. The Act also covers benefits related to miscarriage, illness arising from pregnancy and certain other conditions. The 2017 amendment further expanded maternity benefits and introduced provisions such as work from home and cr\u00e8che facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protect the health of women and their children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide paid maternity leave to eligible women.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect women from dismissal due to maternity absence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide leave for miscarriage and specified medical conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support women after childbirth through nursing breaks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide maternity benefits to eligible adopting and commissioning mothers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote a supportive workplace through cr\u00e8che facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-prep-kit\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check Out UPSC EPFO Prep Kit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-download-epfo-apfc-maternity-benefit-act-1961-quiz-pdf\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Download_EPFO_APFC_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961_Quiz_PDF\"><\/span>Download EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz PDF<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The UPSC EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz PDF is useful for revising important concepts related to maternity benefits, eligibility conditions, maternity leave, miscarriage leave, adopting and commissioning mothers, nursing breaks, cr\u00e8che facilities, work-from-home provisions, the 2017 amendment, and the transition to the Code on Social Security, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Particulars<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Link<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-prep-kit\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download Now<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Papers<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-previous-year-question-papers\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download Now<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UPSC EPFO APFC Labour Laws Practice Notes PDF<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/labour-laws-and-industrial-relations\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check Details<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attempt_UPSC_EPFO_APFC_Maternity_Benefit_Act_1961_Quiz\"><\/span>Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Test your preparation with the UPSC EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz and revise important concepts such as maternity benefit eligibility, 26 weeks of maternity leave, leave for miscarriage, adopting and commissioning mothers, nursing breaks, cr\u00e8che facilities, work from home, the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, and the updated social-security framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/courses.oliveboard.in\/edge\/css\/login-modal-for-blog.css\">\n\n<style>\n#quiz-1-sticky-header {\n  position: sticky;\n  top: 0;\n  z-index: 100;\n  background: #1565c0;\n  color: #fff;\n  padding: 12px 20px;\n  border-radius: 10px 10px 0 0;\n  display: flex;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  align-items: center;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);\n  margin: -20px -20px 20px -20px;\n}\n\n#quiz-1-score-badge {\n  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.2);\n  padding: 4px 12px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  font-size: 15px;\n  white-space: nowrap;\n}\n#quiz-1 * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n#quiz-1 .quiz-container {\n  max-width: 700px;\n  margin: auto;\n  padding: 20px;\n  background: #fff;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);\n}\n\n#quiz-1 h2 {\n  text-align: center;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .question {\n  margin-bottom: 22px;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .question p {\n  font-weight: bold;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 button {\n  width: 100%;\n  padding: 12px;\n  margin: 6px 0;\n  border: none;\n  border-radius: 6px;\n  background: #e0e0e0;\n  color: #000;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  cursor: pointer;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 button:hover {\n  background: #d5d5d5;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 button.correct {\n  background: #4caf50;\n  color: #000;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 button.wrong {\n  background: #f44336;\n  color: #000;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 button.locked {\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n\n\/* SUMMARY *\/\n#quiz-1 .final-summary {\n  margin-top: 40px;\n  padding: 20px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: #fafafa;\n  border: 2px solid #4caf50;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .final-summary h3 {\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .summary-row {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr 40px;\n  gap: 10px;\n  align-items: center;\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  font-weight: bold;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .summary-bar {\n  height: 14px;\n  background: #ddd;\n  border-radius: 10px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .bar-fill {\n  height: 100%;\n  width: 0%;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .bar-attempted { background: #2196f3; }\n#quiz-1 .bar-correct { background: #4caf50; }\n#quiz-1 .bar-wrong { background: #f44336; }\n#quiz-1 .bar-unattempted { background: #9e9e9e; width: 100%; }\n\n#quiz-1 .final-score {\n  text-align: center;\n  font-size: 22px;\n  margin-top: 20px;\n}\n\n#quiz-1 .score-value {\n  font-size: 30px;\n  margin-left: 8px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n\n<body>\n<div id=\"quiz-1\">\n  <div class=\"quiz-container\">\n<div id=\"quiz-1-sticky-header\">\n  <span> UPSC EPFO APFC Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 Quiz <\/span>\n  <span id=\"quiz-1-score-badge\">Score: <strong id=\"quiz-1-score-value\">0.00<\/strong><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n    <!-- QUESTIONS -->\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>1. Which was the principal objective of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">To regulate the employment of women before and after childbirth and provide maternity and related benefits<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">To regulate only industrial disputes involving women<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">To create a universal pension scheme for all women workers<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">To prescribe minimum wages exclusively for pregnant employees<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>2. The Maternity Benefit Act was enacted in which year?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1976<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">1961<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">2017<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1948<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>3. Which Act substantially expanded maternity leave and introduced benefits for adopting and commissioning mothers?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Equal Remuneration Act, 1976<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 1988<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Code on Wages, 2019<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>4. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was originally brought into force on:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">12 December 1961<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">21 November 2025<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1 April 2017<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">1 November 1963<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>5. As of 2026, the principal current statutory framework containing maternity benefit provisions is:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Chapter VI of the Code on Social Security, 2020<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Chapter III of the Code on Wages, 2019<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 only<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 only<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>6. The Code on Social Security, 2020 became effective along with the other Labour Codes from:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">21 November 2025<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">28 March 2017<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">8 May 2026<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1 January 2020<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>7. The Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 were notified on:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1 November 1963<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">1 July 2017<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">8 May 2026<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">21 November 2025<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>8. Which of the following best reflects the policy rationale of maternity-benefit law?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Providing only unpaid leave after childbirth<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Protecting income, health and employment during maternity<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Restricting women from returning to employment after childbirth<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Replacing all employer obligations with voluntary welfare measures<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>9. Which ministry administers the central labour-law framework governing maternity benefits in India?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Ministry of Health and Family Welfare only<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Ministry of Corporate Affairs<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Ministry of Labour and Employment<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Ministry of Women and Child Development exclusively<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>10. Which statement about the 1961 Act and the 2020 Code is correct in the 2026 legal context?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">The 1961 Act was replaced by the Code on Wages, 2019<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">The 1961 Act continues entirely unchanged and independently of the Labour Codes<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Maternity benefits are now governed only by State Shops and Establishments Acts<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">The maternity-benefit framework of the 1961 Act has been subsumed into the Code on Social Security, 2020<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>11. Under the current maternity-benefit framework, which of the following establishments is expressly covered regardless of a ten-employee shop threshold?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">A sole trader with no employee<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">A private household employing one domestic worker<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">A factory<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">A purely voluntary club with no employees<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>12. For a shop or establishment, the general employee threshold for maternity benefit coverage is:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">50 or more employees<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">20 or more employees<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">5 or more employees<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">10 or more employees<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>13. For purposes of the 10-employee threshold, the Code also looks to whether the establishment employed 10 or more employees on any day during the preceding:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">3 months<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">6 months<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">12 months<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">24 months<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>14. Which of the following is expressly among the categories covered by the maternity-benefit chapter?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only educational institutions with 100 employees<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Plantations<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only banks<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only government secretariats<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>15. A woman generally becomes eligible for maternity benefit after actually working for at least:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">60 days<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">80 days<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">180 days<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">30 days<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>16. The 80-day eligibility condition is tested with reference to the period of:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">12 months immediately preceding the expected date of delivery<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">3 months immediately preceding appointment<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">24 months immediately preceding resignation<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">6 months immediately following delivery<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>17. For calculating the 80-day qualifying period, which of the following may be taken into account under the Code?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only unpaid leave<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only Sundays and no other days<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Days of lay-off and holidays with wages falling within the relevant period<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Only days after the expected delivery<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>18. Which statement about the entitlement to maternity benefit is correct?<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">It is always a discretionary ex gratia payment<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">It is an employer liability under the maternity-benefit chapter, subject to statutory conditions<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">It is available only if the employer has a written maternity policy<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">It can be denied merely because the establishment is profitable<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>19. The rate of maternity benefit is linked primarily to the woman&#8217;s:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Gratuity amount<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Annual bonus alone<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Provident fund balance<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Average daily wage<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"question\" data-answered=\"false\">\n  <p>20. For determining average daily wage under the current Code, the relevant wage period is generally the days worked during the:<\/p>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Entire period of service regardless of length<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">Twelve calendar months after resumption<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"true\">Three calendar months immediately preceding the maternity absence<\/button>\n  <button data-correct=\"false\">One calendar month after delivery<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n    <!-- FINAL SUMMARY -->\n    <div class=\"final-summary\">\n      <h3>Quiz Summary <\/h3>\n\n      <div class=\"summary-row\">\n        <span>Attempted<\/span>\n        <div class=\"summary-bar\"><div class=\"bar-fill bar-attempted\" data-summary=\"attempted\"><\/div><\/div>\n        <span data-count=\"attempted\">0<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"summary-row\">\n        <span>Correct<\/span>\n        <div class=\"summary-bar\"><div class=\"bar-fill bar-correct\" data-summary=\"correct\"><\/div><\/div>\n        <span data-count=\"correct\">0<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"summary-row\">\n        <span>Wrong<\/span>\n        <div class=\"summary-bar\"><div class=\"bar-fill bar-wrong\" data-summary=\"wrong\"><\/div><\/div>\n        <span data-count=\"wrong\">0<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"summary-row\">\n        <span>Unattempted<\/span>\n        <div class=\"summary-bar\"><div class=\"bar-fill bar-unattempted\" data-summary=\"unattempted\"><\/div><\/div>\n        <span data-count=\"unattempted\">0<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"final-score\">\n        Final Score: <span class=\"score-value\" data-score>0.0<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"modal modal-obls\" id=\"modal-signup\">\n        <div class=\"modal-background\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"modal-content\">\n           <div class=\"obls-group\" id=\"obls-group1\">\n               <div class=\"obls-blk\">\n                   <span class=\"img-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/img-delivery.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                   <h2 id=\"display-register-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sign_Up\"><\/span>Sign Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n                   <div class=\"loginas-group loginas-group1 loginas-group-single\">\n <div id=\"g_id_onload\" data-client_id=\"506321490093-i3j96ah9gn1sv3khntnd1rnv5jebt5j4.apps.googleusercontent.com\" ,=\"\" data-use_fedcm_for_prompt=\"true\" data-callback=\"handleOnetapResponse\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"g_id_signin\" data-type=\"standard\"><div class=\"S9gUrf-YoZ4jf\" style=\"position: relative;\"><div><\/div><iframe src=\"https:\/\/accounts.google.com\/gsi\/button?type=standard&amp;is_fedcm_supported=true&amp;client_id=506321490093-i3j96ah9gn1sv3khntnd1rnv5jebt5j4.apps.googleusercontent.com&amp;iframe_id=gsi_437394_8652&amp;cas=pwXumGxyCMNtIbjaV30qchi2A1vUar%2Faz%2FOE5HQ%2B0Zc\" class=\"L5Fo6c-PQbLGe\" allow=\"identity-credentials-get\" id=\"gsi_437394_8652\" title=\"Sign in with Google Button\" style=\"display: block; position: relative; top: 0px; left: 0px; height: 44px; width: 204px; border: 0px; margin: -2px -10px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n                   <\/div>\n                   <h6 class=\"signup-subheader\">Or, register with email<\/h6>\n                   <label class=\"errormsg txt-red courseUp\"><\/label>\n                   <div class=\"formcontrol-group\">\n                        <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-mail.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                        <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"course-uemail\" required=\"\">\n                        <span class=\"floating-label\" style=\"top: 19px; font-size: 12px;\">Email Id<\/span>\n                   <\/div>\n                   <div class=\"formcontrol-group\">\n                        <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-mobile-black.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                        <input type=\"text\" maxlength=\"10\" name=\"monum\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"course-uphone\" required=\"\">\n                        <span class=\"floating-label\">Mobile Number<\/span>\n                   <\/div>\n                   <div class=\"formcontrol-group\">\n                        <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-lock.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                        <input type=\"password\" name=\"pwd\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"course-upassword\" required=\"\">\n                        <span class=\"floating-label\">Password<\/span>\n                   <\/div>\n                   <button type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-tblue btn-obls\" onclick=\"courseUpValidation('home','IBPS','https:\/\/u1.oliveboard.in\/exams\/?c=dashboard&amp;i=common');return false;\" id=\"courseup\">REGISTER<\/button>\n                    <p class=\"obls-footer\">Already a user?<button type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-xs btn-switch-obls btn-show-modal-login\" id=\"btn-show-modal-login\">Login<\/button><\/p>\n               <\/div> \n            <\/div> \n        <\/div>\n        <button class=\"modal-close is-large modal-obls-close\" aria-label=\"close\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"modal modal-obls\" id=\"modal-login\">\n        <div class=\"modal-background\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"modal-content\">\n           <div class=\"obls-group\" id=\"obls-group2\">\n               <div class=\"obls-blk\">\n                   <span class=\"img-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/img-run-health.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                   <div id=\"login-group-abc\" class=\"lfp-group-abc\"><!-- start login group -->\n                       <h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Login\"><\/span>Login<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n                       <label class=\"errormsg txt-red courseIn\"><\/label>\n                       <div class=\"formcontrol-group disable-loginemail\">\n                            <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-mail.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                            <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"course-email\" required=\"\">\n                            <span class=\"floating-label\">Email Id<\/span>\n                       <\/div>\n                       <div class=\"loginnext-group\" id=\"loginnext-group\"><!-- pass and captcha -->\n                           <div class=\"formcontrol-group\">\n                                <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-lock.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                                <input type=\"password\" name=\"pwd\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"course-password\" required=\"\">\n                                <span class=\"floating-label\">Password<\/span>\n                           <\/div>\n                           <div style=\"display:none\" id=\"img-oblcaptcha\" class=\"captcha-img-blk\">\n                           <\/div>\n                           <div style=\"display:none\" class=\"formcontrol-group captcha-input-blk\">\n                                <input type=\"text\" name=\"pwd1\" value=\"1\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"lcaptcha-code\" required=\"\">\n                                <span class=\"floating-label\">Enter text you see in the image<\/span>\n                           <\/div>\n                       <\/div><!-- pass and captcha -->\n                       \n                       <div class=\"btn-forgotpwd-group\"><button id=\"btn-forgotpwd\" class=\"btn btn-forgotpwd\">Forgot Password?<\/button><\/div>\n                       <button type=\"button\" id=\"coursein1\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-tblue btn-obls\" onclick=\"courseInValidation1()\">Next<\/button>\n                       <button type=\"button\" id=\"coursein\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-tblue btn-obls coursein\" onclick=\"courseInValidation('https:\/\/u1.oliveboard.in\/exams\/?c=dashboard&amp;i=common')\">Submit<\/button>\n                       <form method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/login.oliveboard.in\/login\/next.php\" id=\"snf1\">\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"email\" value=\"\" id=\"lemailnext\">\n                        <\/form>\n                   <\/div><!-- end login group -->\n                   <div id=\"forgotpwd-group-abc\" class=\"lfp-group-abc forgotpwd-group-abc\"><!-- start forgotpwd group -->\n                       <h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Forgot_Password\"><\/span>Forgot Password<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n                       <p class=\"secintro-txt\">Please enter the Email ID we will send you a Email with the link to reset the password.<\/p>\n                       <label class=\"errormsg txt-red rePassMsg\"><\/label>\n                       <div class=\"formcontrol-group formcontrol-group-fp\">\n                            <span class=\"icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/ic-mail.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                            <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" class=\"formcontrol ob-inputfield\" id=\"remail\" required=\"\">\n                            <span class=\"floating-label\">Email Id<\/span>\n                       <\/div>\n                       <div class=\"loginas-group loginas-group1\">\n                            <button type=\"button\" id=\"btn-fpwd-cancel\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-white btn-cancel btn-fpwd-cancel\">Cancel<\/button>\n                            <button type=\"button\" id=\"lreset\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-tblue btn-fpwd-submit\" onclick=\"resetPassword()\">Submit<\/button>\n                       <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- end forgotpwd group --> \n                   <h6 class=\"login-subheader\">Or, login with<\/h6>\n                   <div class=\"loginas-group loginas-group2 loginas-group-single\">\n\n <div id=\"g_id_onload\" data-client_id=\"506321490093-i3j96ah9gn1sv3khntnd1rnv5jebt5j4.apps.googleusercontent.com\" ,=\"\" data-use_fedcm_for_prompt=\"true\" data-callback=\"handleOnetapResponse\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"g_id_signin\" data-type=\"standard\"><div class=\"S9gUrf-YoZ4jf\" style=\"position: relative;\"><div><div tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-labelledby=\"button-label\" class=\"nsm7Bb-HzV7m-LgbsSe  hJDwNd-SxQuSe i5vt6e-Ia7Qfc uaxL4e-RbRzK\"><div class=\"nsm7Bb-HzV7m-LgbsSe-MJoBVe\"><\/div><div class=\"nsm7Bb-HzV7m-LgbsSe-bN97Pc-sM5MNb \"><div class=\"nsm7Bb-HzV7m-LgbsSe-Bz112c\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" class=\"LgbsSe-Bz112c\"><g><path fill=\"#EA4335\" d=\"M24 9.5c3.54 0 6.71 1.22 9.21 3.6l6.85-6.85C35.9 2.38 30.47 0 24 0 14.62 0 6.51 5.38 2.56 13.22l7.98 6.19C12.43 13.72 17.74 9.5 24 9.5z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#4285F4\" d=\"M46.98 24.55c0-1.57-.15-3.09-.38-4.55H24v9.02h12.94c-.58 2.96-2.26 5.48-4.78 7.18l7.73 6c4.51-4.18 7.09-10.36 7.09-17.65z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#FBBC05\" d=\"M10.53 28.59c-.48-1.45-.76-2.99-.76-4.59s.27-3.14.76-4.59l-7.98-6.19C.92 16.46 0 20.12 0 24c0 3.88.92 7.54 2.56 10.78l7.97-6.19z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#34A853\" d=\"M24 48c6.48 0 11.93-2.13 15.89-5.81l-7.73-6c-2.15 1.45-4.92 2.3-8.16 2.3-6.26 0-11.57-4.22-13.47-9.91l-7.98 6.19C6.51 42.62 14.62 48 24 48z\"><\/path><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h48v48H0z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><span class=\"nsm7Bb-HzV7m-LgbsSe-BPrWId\">Sign in with Google<\/span><span class=\"L6cTce\" id=\"button-label\">Sign in with Google. Opens in new tab<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><iframe src=\"https:\/\/accounts.google.com\/gsi\/button?type=standard&amp;is_fedcm_supported=true&amp;client_id=506321490093-i3j96ah9gn1sv3khntnd1rnv5jebt5j4.apps.googleusercontent.com&amp;iframe_id=gsi_437400_306436&amp;cas=pwXumGxyCMNtIbjaV30qchi2A1vUar%2Faz%2FOE5HQ%2B0Zc\" class=\"L5Fo6c-PQbLGe\" allow=\"identity-credentials-get\" id=\"gsi_437400_306436\" title=\"Sign in with Google Button\" style=\"display: block; position: relative; top: 0px; left: 0px; height: 0px; width: 0px; border: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n                   <\/div>\n                    <p class=\"obls-footer\">New to Oliveboard?<button class=\"btn btn-xs btn-switch-obls\" id=\"btn-show-modal-signup\">Register<\/button><\/p>\n               <\/div> \n            <\/div> \n            <div class=\"success-msg-group\" id=\"success-msg-group\"><!-- success msg -->\n                <div class=\"success-msg-blk\" id=\"success-msg-blk\">\n                    <span class=\"img-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/img\/success-ellipse.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/span>\n                    <h2 id=\"fpwd-success-msg-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n                    <p id=\"fpwd-success-msg-text\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n                    <div class=\"login-btn\">\n                        <button type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-md btn-tblue modal-obls-close\">Ok<\/button>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><!-- success msg -->\n\n        <\/div>\n        <button class=\"modal-close is-large modal-obls-close\" aria-label=\"close\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com\/sg2.oliveboard.in\/static\/js\/jquery.js\"><\/script>\n\n<script>\nvar boxurl = window.location.href + '?log=1';\n\nfunction getUrlParam(name, defaultValue) {\n    const params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);\n    return params.has(name) ? params.get(name) : defaultValue;\n}\n\nvar l_log = getUrlParam('log', 0);\n<\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/js\/coursecommon.js?v=12\"><\/script>\n\n\n<script>\n(() => {\n  const quizContainer = document.getElementById('quiz-1');\n  const STORAGE_KEY = 'quiz_1_state';\n  let score = 0;\n  let attempted = 0;\n  let correct = 0;\n  let wrong = 0;\n\n  const questions = quizContainer.querySelectorAll(\".question\");\n  const total = questions.length;\n\n  function loadState() {\n    try { return JSON.parse(sessionStorage.getItem(STORAGE_KEY) || '{}'); }\n    catch { return {}; }\n  }\n\n  function saveState(data) {\n    sessionStorage.setItem(STORAGE_KEY, JSON.stringify(data));\n  }\n\n  function updateUI() {\n    const unattempted = total - attempted;\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-count=\"attempted\"]').textContent = attempted;\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-count=\"correct\"]').textContent = correct;\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-count=\"wrong\"]').textContent = wrong;\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-count=\"unattempted\"]').textContent = unattempted;\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-summary=\"attempted\"]').style.width = (attempted \/ total) * 100 + \"%\";\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-summary=\"correct\"]').style.width = (correct \/ total) * 100 + \"%\";\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-summary=\"wrong\"]').style.width = (wrong \/ total) * 100 + \"%\";\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-summary=\"unattempted\"]').style.width = (unattempted \/ total) * 100 + \"%\";\n    quizContainer.querySelector('[data-score]').textContent = score.toFixed(2);\n\n    \/\/ Live score update in sticky header\n    document.getElementById('quiz-1-score-value').textContent = score.toFixed(2);\n  }\n\n  function restoreQuestion(q, chosenIndex, wasCorrect) {\n    q.dataset.answered = \"true\";\n    const buttons = q.querySelectorAll(\"button\");\n    buttons.forEach(b => b.classList.add(\"locked\"));\n    if (wasCorrect) {\n      buttons[chosenIndex].classList.add(\"correct\");\n    } else {\n      buttons[chosenIndex].classList.add(\"wrong\");\n      q.querySelector(\"[data-correct='true']\").classList.add(\"correct\");\n    }\n  }\n\n  \/\/ Restore saved answers on page load\n  const savedAnswers = loadState();\nquestions.forEach((q, qIndex) => {\n    const saved = savedAnswers[qIndex];\n    if (saved !== undefined) {\n      attempted++;\n      if (saved.correct) { correct++; }\n      else { wrong++; }\n      restoreQuestion(q, saved.chosenIndex, saved.correct);\n    }\n  });\n  score = parseFloat((correct * 1 - wrong * 0.25).toFixed(2));\n  updateUI();\n\n  \/\/ Attach click handlers\n  questions.forEach((q, qIndex) => {\n    q.querySelectorAll(\"button\").forEach((btn, btnIndex) => {\n      btn.addEventListener(\"click\", () => {\n        if (q.dataset.answered === \"true\") return;\n        q.dataset.answered = \"true\";\n        attempted++;\n\n        if (attempted > 9 && l_log == 0) {\n          $('#modal-signup').addClass('is-active');\n        }\n\n        q.querySelectorAll(\"button\").forEach(b => b.classList.add(\"locked\"));\n        const isCorrect = btn.dataset.correct === \"true\";\n\n if (isCorrect) {\n          btn.classList.add(\"correct\");\n          correct++;\n        } else {\n          btn.classList.add(\"wrong\");\n          wrong++;\n          q.querySelector(\"[data-correct='true']\").classList.add(\"correct\");\n        }\n        score = parseFloat((correct * 1 - wrong * 0.25).toFixed(2));\n\n        savedAnswers[qIndex] = { chosenIndex: btnIndex, correct: isCorrect };\n        saveState(savedAnswers);\n        updateUI();\n      });\n    });\n  });\n\n  updateUI();\n})();\n<\/script>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-apfc-mock-test\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attempt A Free UPSC EPFO APFC Mock Test Today!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-is-covered-under-the-maternity-benefit-act\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_covered_under_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\"><\/span>Who is covered under the Maternity Benefit Act?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Act applies to specified establishments, including factories, mines, plantations and certain shops and establishments employing 10 or more persons, subject to the conditions of the Act. The eligibility for maternity benefit generally requires a woman to have worked for at least 80 days in the 12 months immediately preceding her expected date of delivery. The coverage and specific conditions are important points for labour-law examinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Particulars<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Type of law<\/td><td>Labour and maternity welfare law<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enacted<\/td><td>1961<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Major amendment<\/td><td>2017<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>General eligibility<\/td><td>80 days of work in the preceding 12 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Important coverage threshold<\/td><td>10 or more persons for specified establishments<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cr\u00e8che threshold<\/td><td>50 or more employees<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-key-maternity-leave-provisions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_key_maternity_leave_provisions\"><\/span>What are the key maternity leave provisions?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2017 amendment increased maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for a woman with fewer than two surviving children. Of these, not more than 8 weeks can be taken before the expected date of delivery. For a woman with two or more surviving children, the maternity benefit is 12 weeks, with not more than 6 weeks available before the expected date of delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Maternity benefit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Woman with fewer than two surviving children<\/td><td>26 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Woman with two or more surviving children<\/td><td>12 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Eligible adopting mother<\/td><td>12 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Commissioning mother<\/td><td>12 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-other-benefits-are-provided-under-the-act\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_benefits_are_provided_under_the_Act\"><\/span>What other benefits are provided under the Act?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Act provides several additional benefits to protect women during and after pregnancy. These include leave following miscarriage, leave for certain medical conditions, nursing breaks after returning to work and protection against dismissal during maternity absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Miscarriage:<\/strong> 6 weeks of leave with wages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tubectomy operation:<\/strong> 2 weeks of leave with wages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Illness related to pregnancy:<\/strong> Additional leave of up to 1 month, subject to the Act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nursing breaks:<\/strong> Two nursing breaks are provided after returning to work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work from home:<\/strong> May be allowed by mutual agreement where the nature of work permits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employment protection:<\/strong> A woman cannot be dismissed or disadvantaged because of maternity absence, subject to the statutory provisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-apfc\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enroll  for UPSC EPFO APFC Online Courses<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-provisions-for-adopting-and-commissioning-mothers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_provisions_for_adopting_and_commissioning_mothers\"><\/span>What are the provisions for adopting and commissioning mothers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2017 amendment extended maternity benefits to certain adopting and commissioning mothers. A woman who legally adopts a child below 3 months of age is entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefit from the date the child is handed over to her. A commissioning mother is also entitled to 12 weeks from the date the child is handed over to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-creche-facility-under-the-maternity-benefit-act\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_creche_facility_under_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\"><\/span>What is the cr\u00e8che facility under the Maternity Benefit Act?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2017 amendment introduced a cr\u00e8che facility requirement for establishments having 50 or more employees. The woman employee is allowed four visits to the cr\u00e8che in a day, including the interval allowed for rest. The employer is also required to inform women employees about the maternity benefits available under the Act at the time of their initial appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Number<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Provision<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>80 days<\/strong><\/td><td>Minimum work requirement for maternity benefit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>26 weeks<\/strong><\/td><td>Maternity benefit for fewer than two surviving children<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>12 weeks<\/strong><\/td><td>Benefit for two or more surviving children<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>12 weeks<\/strong><\/td><td>Eligible adopting\/commissioning mother<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>6 weeks<\/strong><\/td><td>Leave after miscarriage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>2 weeks<\/strong><\/td><td>Tubectomy leave<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>50 employees<\/strong><\/td><td>Cr\u00e8che requirement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>4 visits<\/strong><\/td><td>Cr\u00e8che visits per day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-apfc-study-plan\/?ref=contac-upsc-epfo-maternity-benefit-act-pq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out the UPSC EPFO Study Plan<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-was-the-major-update-to-the-maternity-benefit-act\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_was_the_major_update_to_the_Maternity_Benefit_Act\"><\/span>What was the major update to the Maternity Benefit Act?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017<\/strong> was the major amendment to the law. It increased maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for eligible women with fewer than two surviving children. It also introduced provisions for adopting and commissioning mothers, work from home, cr\u00e8che facilities and employer communication of maternity benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maternity-benefit framework has subsequently been incorporated into the Code on Social Security, 2020. Therefore, candidates preparing for labour-law examinations should study the original Act along with the corresponding provisions of the Social Security Code and keep track of the latest rules and commencement notifications. 2017 amendment key changes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maternity leave increased to 26 weeks for eligible women.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12 weeks provided for eligible adopting and commissioning mothers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provision for work from home introduced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cr\u00e8che facility introduced for establishments with 50 or more employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Four visits to the cr\u00e8che permitted per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers required to inform women employees about maternity benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791270032796\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. What is the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 provides maternity benefits and employment protection to eligible women workers during pregnancy and after childbirth.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791270033882\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. What is the eligibility condition for maternity benefit?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A woman generally needs to have worked for at least <strong>80 days in the 12 months<\/strong> preceding her expected date of delivery.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791270034454\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. How many weeks of maternity leave are provided under the Act?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Eligible women with fewer than two surviving children are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity benefit.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791270035212\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">4. How much maternity benefit is available for women with two or more surviving children?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A woman with two or more surviving children is entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefit.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791270035825\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">5. What maternity benefit is available to an adopting mother?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An eligible adopting mother who adopts a child below three months of age is entitled to 12 weeks of maternity benefit.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list is-grid columns-3 wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-apfc-indian-economy-conceptual-numerical-quiz\/\">Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Indian Economy Conceptual &amp; Numerical Quiz<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-apfc-computer-applications-quiz\/\">Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Computer Applications Quiz &amp; Download PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/code-on-social-security-2020-practice-quiz\/\">UPSC EPFO APFC Code on Social Security 2020 Quiz &amp; Free PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-apfc-insurance-quiz\/\">Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Insurance Practice Quiz &amp; Download PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-apfc-auditing-practice-quiz\/\">Attempt UPSC EPFO APFC Auditing Practice Quiz &amp; Download PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/upsc-epfo-apfc-marks-vs-cut-off\/\">UPSC EPFO APFC Marks vs Cut-Off, How to Calculate Your Score?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is an important labour law that protects the employment and maternity rights of women workers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":253406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10210,62,10321],"tags":[18084,11528],"class_list":["post-230247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-epfo","category-government-exams","category-upsc-epfo","tag-maternity-benefit-act-1961","tag-upsc-epfo","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Maternity Benefit Act 1961 Objectives, Key Provisions &amp; Recent Revision<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 and its amendments, focusing on maternity leave and essential protections for women.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/maternity-benefit-act-1961\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maternity Benefit Act 1961 Objectives, Key Provisions &amp; Recent Revision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is an important labour law that protects the employment and maternity rights of women workers. 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