AAP MP Raghav Chadha Advocates for Legal Paternity Leave in Rajya Sabha
Synopsis
In a powerful address to Parliament, AAP MP Raghav Chadha urged the government to establish paternity leave as a legal right across India, stressing the need for shared parental responsibilities and the support fathers must provide during the critical postpartum period.
Key Takeaways
Raghav Chadha advocates for paternity leave in Parliament.
Paternity leave should be a legal right across all sectors.
Current provisions inadequately support fathers in India.
International examples show the benefits of shared parental leave.
Policy reforms are urgently needed to reflect caregiving responsibilities.
New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Raghav Chadha, a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), addressed the matter of paternity leave in Parliament on Tuesday, advocating for its establishment as a legal right across all sectors in India.
During his speech, Chadha pointed out what he termed a “societal failure enforced by law,” emphasizing that while both parents receive congratulatory wishes upon the birth of a child, caregiving duties fall chiefly on mothers, with legal frameworks currently acknowledging only maternity leave.
“Fathers should not have to choose between caring for their newborns and maintaining their employment. Likewise, mothers should not face the challenges of childbirth and recovery without the support of their partners,” he expressed.
The AAP representative underscored that the period following childbirth is critical for a woman, who needs substantial support—physically, emotionally, and mentally. He reminded the House that a mother carries the child for nine months and experiences either a natural birth or a cesarean section, both of which require significant recovery and care.
“In this vital period, the presence of the husband is not merely a luxury but a necessity. His role in caregiving for his wife is equally crucial,” Chadha articulated.
He also highlighted the current inequalities in paternity leave policies in India. Currently, only Central government employees are entitled to a mere 15 days of paternity leave, while private sector workers lack any such enforced provisions.
By citing global examples, Chadha noted that nations such as Sweden, Iceland, and Japan offer paternity leave ranging from 90 days to as much as 52 weeks, thus promoting shared parental responsibility.
Chadha further observed that nearly 90 percent of India's workforce is situated in the private sector, effectively leaving a significant number of fathers without access to paternity leave.
Calling for immediate reforms in policy, Chadha implored the government to enact laws that would render paternity leave a legal entitlement.
“Caregiving is a shared responsibility between both parents, not just the mother’s duty. Our legal system must reflect this reality,” he concluded.
Point of View
The push for legal paternity leave by MP Raghav Chadha underscores an urgent need for societal reforms in caregiving roles. As both parents face tremendous responsibilities post-childbirth, it is vital that legislation reflects the shared nature of parenting duties, ensuring equitable support for families across India.
NationPress
11 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 after the birth of his child to care for the newborn and support their partner.
How much paternity leave do Indian fathers currently get?
As of now, only Central government employees in India are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, with no mandatory provision in the private sector.
Why is paternity leave important?
Paternity leave is crucial as it allows fathers to support their partners during the demanding postpartum phase, promoting shared responsibilities and enhancing family bonding.
Which countries offer generous paternity leave?
Countries like Sweden, Iceland, and Japan provide substantial paternity leave, ranging from 90 days to 52 weeks, encouraging shared parental responsibilities.
What changes is Raghav Chadha advocating for?
Raghav Chadha is calling for the government to enact policies that would make paternity leave a legal entitlement in India, recognizing it as a shared responsibility between parents.
