Gratuity

Respected Sirs, Query on applicability of Gratuity Act. I would like to know whether is there an INFANCY PERIOD under The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. This is similar to what we have under the Bonus Act, where the act is not applicable during the first 5 years of service from the date of incorporation or if the company declares profit. OR, is it mandatory to Employer to cover all employees irrespective of date of inception of the company. Kindly clarify. Thankyou Shashidhar A