Claim Salary from ESIC for Maternity leave - contribution for at least 9 months to claim benefit

Hi, I'm working in an organisation since 2011. My esic contribution was deducted from my salary from 2011 to 2013. After July 2013 my salary become more than 15k so esic contribution was not deducted. From Jan 2017 again I was under esic and my contribution for the same was deducted till 15 March 2017 as I have to go for maternity leave from 16 March. Now I have joined back and I was gone to my esic office for claiming salary of 6 months. But they refused by saying that I should have contributed for at least 9 months to claim maternity benefit. Pls advice.

Dear Sonia Devi, before proceeding on Maternity leave under ESI, you should have checked your eligibility by logging to ESI Portal with your ESI Insurance Number.Now, please log in & take print of the same & share with your Employer.
Since, you are not eligible for ML under ESI, Your Employer has to pay ML i.e 26 Weeks Salary to you under The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.Please submit your claim with all supporting Documents/Medical Certificate, Delivery Certificate etc