(1) This Act may be called the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

(2) It extends to the whole of India ¹***.

(3) It shall come into force on such date² as may be notified in this behalf in the Official Gazette,--

³[(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.

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1. The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 51 of 1970, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 1-9-1971).

2. 1st November, 1963, vide notification No. S.O. 2920 (E), dated 5th October, 1963, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3 (ii).

3. Subs. by Act 52 of 1973, s. 2, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 1-3-1975).