Is a Dentist on a Yearly Contract at ECHS Eligible for Paid Maternity Leave?

I want to know about a lady working at Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) as a dentist. This is a contract job for one year that is extendable every year. Is she eligible for maternity leave? If yes, for how much time, and is it paid or unpaid?

Thank you.

I have a similar query. Is a lady dentist working in the ECHS (Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) on a contract job for one year, which is extendable every year, entitled to maternity leave? All ECHS employees are entitled to 10 Casual Leaves in a year (8 CL & 2 RH) along with Sundays and Gazetted Holidays. They are not entitled to any other leave.

Eagerly awaiting an early reply, as a late reply will be of no use to me.

Subject: Applicability of Maternity Benefit Act 1961 to Contractual Employees of ECHS

With reference to your letter No. B/49760/R/AG/ECHS dated 14 Sep 2010, I am directed to say that as per the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 and the terms and conditions of the agreement between the contractually engaged person and the Station Commander, there is no provision for entitlement to maternity benefits in respect of contractual staff engaged in ECHS Polyclinics. Hence, contractual staff of ECHS Polyclinics are not entitled to maternity leave under the Maternity Benefits Act 1961. A copy of the advice received from M/O Law & Justice/Deptt. of Legal Affairs, LA(Def.) is enclosed.

Regards