A welcome Bill

THE Maternity Benefit (Amendment Bill), 2016 has been passed by the Lok Sabha. According to it, 26 weeks’ paid leave will in future be sanctioned for new mothers in the organised sector. It is definitely a welcome move. Previously, it was only 12 weeks’ paid leave for new mothers. China offers 14 weeks, Australia 18 weeks, Norway 36- 46 weeks and Denmark allows 52 paid weeks. The US however offers only 12 weeks’ paid leave to new mothers. India’s proposed legislation applies to all establishments employing 10 or more people. 12 weeks’ paid leave will also be allowed to mothers adopting or having a surrogate child. The bill furthermore enjoins all establishments employing 50 or more people crèche facilities which mothers can visit four times a day. All organisations have to apprise all female employees of their rights by writing. According to global studies, there is a strong link between paid maternity leave and women rejoining work after childbirth. The child is also assured better health care. Maternity leave is salutary because it takes account of women’s biological needs. The companies are benefited by valued women employees remaining in their work force. But of course there are lacunae. The Bill applies only to the organised sector. That covers only 4.4% of India’s women employees. The debate in parliament focused on the fact that 90% of India’s women workers belong to the unorganised sector- in fields, domestic service, etc. The bill says nothing about paternity leave. That ignores the need for shared responsibility of both parents in looking after the new born baby. There should be an attitudinal change of acknowledging that only one parent has the responsibility of nurturing the child. The new Maternity Bill passed in the Lok Sabha is a step forward but much needs to be done to present a holistic attitude.