Explanation:

•  The Object of the Act is to protect the dignity of motherhood and the dignity of a new person's birth by providing for the full and healthy maintenance of the woman and her child at this important time when she is not working.To regulate the employment of women workers in such establishments for certain period before and after child birth.
• If a woman works in any establishment after she has been permitted by her employer to absent herself under the provisions of section 6 for any period during such authorised absence, she shall forfeit her claim to the maternity benefit for such period.
• No employer shall knowingly employ a woman in any establishment during the six weeks immediately following the day of her delivery