MATERNITY BENEFIT - Maternity Benefit Act

Hi all,
this is regarding Maternity benefit.
I am working in a managment institute affliated to a recognised university.
My appointment is ad hoc .i am working there since 2006 Aug.
I want to know whether i can get the maternity leave as per the maternity benefit act?Also my PF deduction can is also being done.
Can anyone tell me whts the scope of this act and can i fight for the maternity leave is i dont get it????????

Hi
As per my knowledge, yes you are totally eligible for availing the Maternity leave under maternity benfit act 1961. THe act applies to every women employed directly or by way of contractors as well.
However, there are below mentioned points which you need to ponder on:
1. please ensure that you have worked with the employer for a continuous period of 80 days in past 12 months.
2. Ensure that your salary is more than 10000 pm. if less than this you can avail the maternity benefit only under employee state insurance act 1948.
hope this helps you.
Regards
Hitesh

Thanks HITESH.
Thanks for clarfiying this.Another thing i want to know is wht does 80 continous days means??????will it include casual leave and other gazetted leaves?????
Also plz tell me if I dont get the maternity leave inspite of fulfilling the conditions then how should i proceed ??????where should i lodge my complaint???????