The GOI is considering extending maternity leave to 24 weeks from 12 weeks. The Central Government is considering about extending as it would encourage more women to breastfeed and help reduce high rates of child malnutrition in the country. The proposal, if approved, would give working women in all sectors i.e. public, private and even the informal sector such as domestic workers. An expectant mother needs one month of rest before birth, and seven months after, to adequately nurse her child.

According to a report, India has one of the highest child malnutrition rates in the world. Forty-six percent of children under five are underweight and 48 percent are stunted. UNICEF states that Child malnutrition is an underlying cause of death for 3 million children around the world every year. Nearly half of all child deaths is due to weak immune systems. WHO also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to six months old.

In India only 47 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, compared with 70 percent in neighbouring Nepal and 76 percent in Sri Lanka. At around 33 percent, female participation in the workforce in India is well below the global average of 50 percent.

Benefits

• Extending maternity leave will encourage more women to return to work.
• It will close the gender gap in the labour market.
• Many women reluctantly drop out of work because they need more time for their newborns. It can be avoided.

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