Hi Joe,
Please note that Section 5 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 provides conditions for eligibility of benefits, under this unwed mothers are eligible for maternity benefit. This follows pursuit of a case held long time back by a woman employee (not sure if her name is Geetha) vs Neyveli lignite corporation, where NLC declined to provide her maternity benefit (including vacation period for delivering child) she moved the organization to court and by Supreme court's verdict this benefit is conferred upon unwed mothers as well.
Imagine the plight of the lady who has been fighting for it, I join hands in rejoicing, but I feel sorry for the lady who has to fight the society's harrassment & do a single parenting. It is still considered a stigma to become a mother before marriage in our society. But, I appreciate her guts.