Published Paper Details:

Abstract: Paternity leave in India has emerged as a crucial aspect of the evolving discourse on gender equality, work-life balance, and family welfare. As societal norms, the recognition of fathers' role in parenting and the need for their active involvement in childcare has very important. The absence of specific constitutional provisions for paternity leave highlights the reliance on separate labour laws and employment acts to address this matter. The Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 was amended in 2017 to include provisions for paternity leave, offering eligible fathers up to 15 days of paid leave. While this legislation is a notable step forward, challenges such as cultural norms and awareness persist, influencing the uptake and implementation of paternity leave. This article emphasizes that paternity leave policies significantly promote shared parenting, the need for paternity leave legislation in India, and a comparative analysis with other countries. To ensure further progress, it calls for continued advocacy, awareness campaigns, and potential expansions of leave duration, reinforcing India's commitment to achieving gender equality and family welfare.