Raising concerns over unequal parenting responsibilities, Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha has urged the government to introduce a law granting paternity leave as a legal right for working fathers across India.
Addressing the issue in Parliament, Chadha stated that India’s existing policies largely focus on maternity leave while ignoring the important role fathers play in childcare. He argued that placing the entire responsibility of newborn care on mothers reflects a significant social and policy gap.
According to Chadha, childbirth marks a shared milestone for both parents, yet workplace systems fail to acknowledge the father’s involvement during the crucial early days after a child’s birth. He said legal recognition of paternity leave would allow fathers to actively participate in childcare and support their spouses without risking their careers.
The MP highlighted the physical and emotional challenges mothers face after pregnancy and delivery, whether through natural birth or cesarean procedures. During this period, he emphasized, emotional stability and practical support from partners are essential for the well-being of both mother and child.
He further added that a father’s responsibility is not limited to caring for the newborn but also includes assisting the mother during recovery. Chadha stressed that the presence of a husband during this phase should be viewed as a necessity rather than an optional privilege.
Presenting data in Parliament, he noted that only central government employees currently receive 15 days of paternity leave, while private-sector workers lack any guaranteed provision. Since nearly 90% of India’s workforce is employed in private organizations, most fathers remain without access to such benefits.
Drawing global comparisons, Chadha referred to nations like Sweden, Iceland, and Japan, where paternity leave policies legally ensure extended time off ranging from several weeks to nearly a year.
Calling for reform, he urged policymakers to align laws with modern social realities, emphasizing that raising a child is a shared duty between both parents.
