PaternityLeave – Lawmakers Urge Nationwide Policy to Support New Fathers
PaternityLeave – A discussion around parental responsibilities gained attention in Parliament on Tuesday, as Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha called for a nationwide legal framework to guarantee paternity leave across all sectors. He argued that the absence of such a provision reflects a deeper imbalance in how caregiving duties are recognized in the country.
Call for Equal Parenting Responsibility
During his address, Chadha pointed out that while both parents are celebrated when a child is born, the responsibility of care largely shifts to mothers. He described this imbalance as a structural issue reinforced by existing laws, which primarily acknowledge maternity leave while overlooking the role of fathers during the early days of a child’s life.
He emphasized that fathers should not be forced to choose between their professional commitments and their responsibilities at home. According to him, a supportive environment for new parents requires both individuals to be present during a critical phase of family life.
Importance of Support After Childbirth
Chadha underlined the physical and emotional challenges faced by mothers following childbirth. He explained that pregnancy, followed by delivery—whether natural or through surgery—places significant demands on a woman’s health. Recovery during this period requires care, stability, and emotional reassurance.
He stressed that a partner’s presence during this time is not optional but essential. The role of a father, he said, extends beyond financial support and includes active participation in caregiving and emotional support for both the mother and the newborn.
Current Policy Gap in India
Highlighting existing provisions, Chadha noted that paternity leave in India is currently limited to central government employees, who are entitled to 15 days of leave. However, there is no mandatory requirement for private companies to offer similar benefits, leaving a large section of working fathers without access to such support.
He pointed out that the private sector employs a significant majority of the country’s workforce, which means most fathers are effectively excluded from any formal paternity leave policy. This, he argued, creates inequality not only between sectors but also within families.
Global Practices Offer Perspective
Drawing comparisons with international standards, Chadha mentioned that several countries have already implemented more inclusive parental leave policies. Nations such as Sweden, Iceland, and Japan offer extended paternity leave options, ranging from a few months to nearly a year. These policies are designed to encourage shared parenting and ensure better outcomes for families.
He suggested that India could benefit from adopting similar approaches, tailored to its own socio-economic context, to promote balanced caregiving responsibilities.
Demand for Legislative Action
Concluding his remarks, Chadha urged the government to take concrete steps toward introducing a law that guarantees paternity leave as a right rather than a privilege. He emphasized that caregiving should be viewed as a shared duty, and public policy must reflect this understanding.
According to him, modern family structures require progressive laws that support both parents equally. Recognizing the role of fathers in early childcare, he said, would not only strengthen families but also contribute to a more equitable society.