India considers paternity leave extension

Extending paternity leaves to reduce the burden of raising children on mothers is one of the ways to support women in the workplace, highlighted India’s National Commission for Women (NCW) in one of its recommendations. 

NCW hosted a meeting aimed at reviewing and analysing legislation affecting women, and recommended amendments to meet the shortcomings. 

Altogether, the NCW has conducted a preliminary consultation and five regional-level consultations to relook the country’s Maternity Benefit Act  and come up with recommendations for amendments and enhance the outreach of the legislation, writes PTI news.

Experts also discussed the issue of women working in the unorganised sector, the provision of crèche facilities on a case-to-case basis rather than number of employees, and the scope for incentives for employers, NCW noted in a statement. 

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NCW also sought the views and suggestions of experts and stakeholders across the country, inviting legal experts, lawyers and academicians to deliberate upon the real challenges and technical issues faced by women.