Is it compulsory to give Maternity Leave Benefit to the employee? what if I want to give her LWP for maternity period?

There are only 5 employees in my organization. Is it compulsory to give Maternity Leave Benefit to the employee? what if I want to give her LWP for maternity period?

Hi

The Maternity Act covers all establishments that employ 10 or more people, and provides for the payment of maternity benefit to female employees. If number of employees is less than 10 then no need to cover employee under Maternity Benefit Act. It is not compulsory but optional. On humanitarian grounds Employer may consider but not a statutory obligation.