New Delhi: In a significant push for gender-neutral caregiving, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, demanded a national law to make paid paternity leave a legal right in India. Speaking during the Rajya Sabha session, Chadha argued that the current legal framework disproportionately places the burden of newborn care on mothers. He emphasized that the presence of the father is crucial for providing both emotional support to the mother and active care for the child, asserting that fathers should not be forced to choose between their professional stability and their family responsibilities.
Chadha highlighted a stark disparity in India’s labour laws, noting that while the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 provides clear protections for women, there is no corresponding legislation for the private sector, where 90 per cent of India’s workforce is employed. He drew comparisons to international standards in countries like Sweden, Iceland, and Japan, where paternity leave is a guaranteed right ranging from 90 days to over a year. The MP’s demand follows a recent observation by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, which stated that a father’s role in a child’s early development is “equally important” and should not be ignored by the state.
The proposal comes amid a broader national discussion on reforming India’s archaic labour laws to reflect modern social dynamics. Supporters of the move argue that mandated paternity leave would help reduce the “motherhood penalty” in the workplace and foster a more balanced domestic environment. While some industry bodies have raised concerns regarding the financial implications for small and medium enterprises, Chadha maintained that such a reform is a necessary step toward achieving true gender equality and ensuring the holistic well-being of the next generation.
