Parenting is a life-altering experience, not simply for mothers. These days, fathers are becoming the caregivers, more emotional support in those first few days of the life of a child. The increasing trends of discussions on paternity leave have thus paved ways for this important yet often neglected workplace facility for men.
Paternity Leave Meaning
Let us begin with the basics-of-Paternity Leave Meaning-giving some time, either paid or unpaid, away from work by an employer to a father after his child is born or adopted. He uses this time to support his partner and bond with the newborn while adjusting to the demands of parenthood in its very early stages. The bulk of those countries view paternity leave as a mechanism for achieving gender equality and undertaking shared parenting responsibilities.
Why Paternity Leave Matters
Paternity leave allows a father to keep a child with him during the early days of that child and contributes to the emotional well-being of the family and relieves the new mother somewhat. Studies have shown fathers taking paternity leave tend to stay involved in their child’s life for the long term and share equally in caregiving.
Paternity Leave in India
In paternity leave India-wise, the policy landscape is still emerging. In contrast to maternity leave, which is well stated under the Maternity Benefit Act, paternity leave does not have a single walk for various sectors. At present, central government employees in India are given 15 days paternity leave to be availed within six months from the date of birth of the child. For the private sector though, there are no statutory provisions for granting paternity leave, albeit some do grant it based on their internal HR policies.
Paternity Leave Rules
India boasts no single legislation encompassing paternity leave; instead, general guidelines govern the matter. For the central government employees, paternity leave is granted only for the birth of two surviving children. The leave is fully paid and has to be applied for at least sometime before the childbirth or immediately after. However, since there is no binding legislation for paternity leave in the private sector, companies are free to legislate upon the duration, eligibility, and payment of paternity leave.
How to Write a Paternity Leave letter
Whenever an employee prepares for some leave, it is always fitting to create a formal paternity leave request letter by stating the name of the employee, his position, tentative days applicable for leave, and the grounds for his absence, coupled with requisite contact details for any unforeseen circumstances during his absence. It is therefore ample to have the application submitted way ahead for a smooth phase of handover and approval.
Sample Paternity Leave Email
Paternity Leave for Government Employees
Being a government worker, an application for paternity leave for government employees shall be submitted in writing to the reporting officer or head of the department. Some basic information including dates and purpose of the leave may be requested; plus any supporting documents like a medical certificate or a proof of expected delivery. The leave usually is with pay and without any deduction from the other leave balances.
Paternity Leave in India for Private Companies
Though not statutorily bound to provide the same, private companies are slowly building up paternity leave schemes in India. Progressive companies in sectors such as IT or media and multinational corporations would offer anywhere between five and thirty days of paternity leave. Such benefits are usually stated in the HR policy or employee handbook. New fathers may sometimes avail themselves of extended unpaid leave or flexible working options.
Challenges and the Way Forward
In India, paternity leave has remained largely underutilized due to fairly good reasons like awareness, social expectations from men, and inconstant policies. Quite a few men don’t avail of such leaves since these are stigmatized in their establishments, leading to a fear of being considered less committed to the job. For this, organizations have to forge an inclusive culture that would help normalize shared parenting roles.
Conclusion
Paternity leave is no more just a small time-off; it is another building block in fabricating robust, nurturing family settings and the creation of gender equality on a domestic front and in organizations. India is still quite far away from perfecting universal paternity leave, but awareness is on the rise. For a first-time father or one planning ahead, knowledge of one’s right
Read our blogs: What Is Paternity Leave? Everything Indian Employees Need to Know
