PATERNITY LEAVE AS SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT

NEWS: Bring Law Recognising Paternity Leave as Social Security Benefit: Supreme Court

About Paternity Leave

• A period of paid/unpaid leave granted to a father following the birth/adoption of a childà enabling him to participate in early childcare and support the mother during the immediate postnatal phase.
• Though India does not recognize paternity leave, the concept is not entirely absent.
• Central Civil Services (Leave) Rulesà Provides 15 days of paternity leave to male government employees.
• Paternity and Parental Benefit Bill, 2025à Private Member Bill, proposed 8 weeks of paternity leave.

Need for Introducing Paternity Leave

• Shared responsibility+ absence of fathers during early formative years of child àcannot be treated as natural or inconsequential.
• Invisible Injusticeà Society has historically attributed caregiving and nurturing responsibilities exclusively to mothers, overlooking equally significant role of father.
• Child Welfareà Receives emotional support and proper care from both parents.

Key issues with extending Paternity Leave

• Need for Cultural Shiftà Men are hesitant to take any paternal leave because of associated stigma.
• In a competitive work environment taking long leaves would diminish one’s career prospects.
• Majority of India’s workforce forms part of informal sector, leaving them outside the ambit of laws.