AAP's Raghav Chadha Advocates for Paternity Leave as a Legal Right in Rajya Sabha

Key Takeaways

Raghav Chadha emphasizes the need for paternity leave as a legal entitlement.

Current paternity leave policies are inadequate, with only Central government employees benefiting.

International examples demonstrate the effectiveness of shared parental responsibilities.

The majority of India's workforce is in the private sector, lacking support for paternity leave.

A change in legislation is essential to reflect modern family needs.

New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), brought up the critical issue of paternity leave in Parliament on Tuesday, advocating for its establishment as a legal right across all sectors in India.

During the parliamentary session, Chadha emphasized the notion of a “societal failure enforced by law,” noting that while both parents receive congratulations at the time of a child’s birth, caregiving duties are still heavily skewed towards mothers, with laws currently only acknowledging maternity leave.

“A father shouldn’t have to choose between nurturing his newborn and maintaining his employment. Likewise, a mother should not have to face childbirth and recuperation without the support of her husband,” he articulated.

The AAP representative underscored that the period following childbirth is when a woman needs the utmost support — physically, emotionally, and mentally. He mentioned that a mother carries the child for nine months and undergoes either a normal delivery or a cesarean section, both of which necessitate considerable recovery time and care.

“In this crucial phase, the presence of the husband is not merely a luxury but a vital necessity. His role in caregiving towards his wife is equally significant,” Chadha asserted in the House.

He also pointed out the current lack of equality in paternity leave provisions across India. Currently, only Central government employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, and there is no such mandatory provision for the private sector.

Referencing international standards, Chadha highlighted that nations like Sweden, Iceland, and Japan offer paternity leave ranging from 90 days up to 52 weeks, fostering shared parental responsibilities.

He further noted that approximately 90% of India’s workforce is situated in the private sector, thereby effectively excluding a vast number of fathers from accessing paternity leave.

Calling for immediate policy reform, Chadha urged the government to pass legislation that would make paternity leave a legal entitlement.

“Caregiving should not be solely the mother’s duty, but a shared responsibility between both parents. Our laws need to reflect this reality,” he concluded.

Point of View

The push for paternity leave as a legal right highlights a growing recognition of shared parental responsibilities. It reflects changing societal norms that demand legislative alignment to support modern family dynamics.

NationPress

18 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paternity leave?

Paternity leave is a period of time that a father is allowed to take off from work to care for his newborn child.

Why is paternity leave important?

Paternity leave is crucial for supporting family bonding and allowing fathers to assist in the caregiving process during the early days of a child's life.

What is the current paternity leave policy in India?

Currently, only Central government employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, while private sector employees do not have a mandatory provision.

Which countries offer extensive paternity leave?

Countries like Sweden, Iceland, and Japan provide paternity leave ranging from 90 days to 52 weeks.

What are the proposed changes to paternity leave in India?

AAP MP Raghav Chadha is advocating for legislation that would make paternity leave a legal entitlement across all sectors.