1. Short title, extent and commencement

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

(2) It extends to the whole of India. l[* * *]

(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.