Women's panel urges equal child-care leave for mothers and fathers in private sector
The National Commission for Women has submitted 37 recommendations to the Centre, including gender-neutral child-care leave and mandatory paid paternity leave.
The National Commission for Women has made several key recommendations to the Centre on child-care leave, submitting 37 in all. Its main suggestion is that child-care leave for private-sector employees should not be limited to women but should be made "gender-neutral".
According to the commission, the leave should apply equally to both parents. The 730 days of paid leave could be shared equally between the child's mother and father. The commission stressed the importance of the child's equal emotional bond with both parents. The recommendations have been submitted to the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
On creches, the commission has suggested that the government make 5 lakh new creche places available by 2030.
On paternity leave, the commission has recommended that it be recognised as a fundamental right. Underlining the father's important role in raising children, it has asked for mandatory paid paternity leave in both the private and unorganised sectors. The commission noted that the leave should be given as a fundamental right.
The commission has also suggested that the initiative begin with small enterprises, and that child-care leave be included in the Social Security Code. The recommendations say companies that adopt such child-related policies could be given tax concessions and financial assistance.
The commission also emphasised the time allowed for breastfeeding at the workplace. At present, women get only 15 minutes for this at work, and the commission has recommended raising it to 30 minutes. It has also said attention should be paid to setting up separate rooms for breastfeeding and to strict enforcement of the relevant rules.
Child-care leave currently applies only for two children. The commission has called for a review of this limit, saying the government should reconsider whether it should stay as it is. It has suggested that a third child be brought under the provision in phases.
