Maternity Benefit - Shop Act

Dear Friends,
As per our company policy we don't have maternity leave benefit in our company. Actually we are into software company. we register under shop act can anyone please tell me as per the act did the company should give maternity leave for female staffs? also suggest me did the company should pay salary during maternity leave also mention how many days did the female staff can avail maternity leave? pls suggest me as per the Tamilnadu shop & establishment act rule.
Thanks.

Dear earlystar
It is really difficult to imagine that a company can have such policies, which are prima facie illegal.
Such dubious establishments manage to call themselves 'companies' technically by virtue of their registration under the Companies act.
Regards.

Dear Ms Cynthia
If ten or more persons are employed in the software company you are referring to, then the Maternity Benefit Act is applicable to the Company. The woman employees are entitled to the maternity benefit provided for under this Act.