Govt proposes 6-month maternity leave
Summary
The government has proposed extending maternity leave to six months and paternity leave to 42 days under an amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018. The bill also includes measures to strengthen maternity care and protect pregnant and postpartum women from violence.
Key Points
- The government plans to raise paid maternity leave to six months and paternity leave to 42 days through an amendment bill.
- Law Minister Sobita Gautam said the move is intended to support shared parenting and give families more time with newborns.
- The Health and Food Security Ministry is also amending four other health-sector laws.
- The draft includes provisions for skilled birth attendants, respectful maternity care, and legal protection against violence toward pregnant and postpartum women.
