Working parents struggle to care for a newborn while fulfilling their work responsibilities. The government has recently enacted Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill, 2023, to provide much-needed relief to such parents.
What Does the Bill Offer?
On Tuesday, President Dr. Arif Alvi approved the Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill 2023. This bill ensures that female and male employees working in public and private sectors under the federal government’s administrative control can take maternity leave.
Employees will be entitled to paid leave on three occasions during their service. The duration of the leave will vary based on the number of occurrences. The first instance allows for 180 days of leave, the second for 120 days, and the third for 90 days.
Likewise, male employees will have the right to take paternity leave for 30 days each time on three occasions.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
If there is a violation, the employer may face imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months, a fine of up to Rs 100,000, or both penalties. The approval of the Bill by the president falls under the purview of Article 75 of the Constitution.
How Does the Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill Help New Parents?
1. Bonding time: Maternity and paternity leave provide new parents essential bonding time with their newborn. This uninterrupted period allows parents to establish a strong emotional connection and build a nurturing relationship from the early stages.
2. Health and well-being: The leave enables parents to focus on their physical and mental well-being during the critical postpartum period. Mothers can recover from childbirth, and fathers can support their partners and adapt to their new roles.
3. Parental involvement: Maternity and paternity leave encourage the active participation of both parents in caregiving responsibilities. This shared commitment fosters an equal distribution of parenting duties and strengthens the family unit.
4. Child development: The availability of parental leave positively impacts the child’s development. The presence of both parents during the early months contributes to better cognitive, emotional, and social development, providing a solid foundation for the child’s future well-being.
