(1)

This Act may be called the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

(2)

It extends to the whole of India ***.

(3)

It shall come into force on such date as may be notified in this behalf in the Official Gazette,—

(a) in relation to mines and to any other establishment wherein persons are employed for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances, by the Central Government; and

(b) in relation to other establishments in a State, by the State Government.