Understanding Maternity Bonus: Do All Employees Qualify for the Rs. 3500 Benefit?

Hi all, wishing you a very wonderful year ahead. Please help me to get more clarity on the matters below:

1. Is it compulsory to pay a maternity bonus of Rs. 3500 to employees going on maternity leave?

2. If a person is earning more than Rs. 10,000, are they still eligible for the bonus of Rs. 3500?

3. Is there any difference between a maternity bonus and the Payment of Bonus Act? Why I am asking is, if an employee earning less than Rs. 10,000 goes on maternity leave, do we have to pay the bonus twice?

Thanks,
D. Chithambararaj

Maternity Bonus vs. Regular Bonus

The Maternity Bonus is entirely different from the Regular Bonus that is payable under the Payment of Bonus Act.

Regards,
Kamesh