As of now, there is no paternity leave in Indian labor law for private sector employees. It is learned that some private companies only bestow this benefit. Only civil servants of the Central Government are allowed paternity leave of 15 days before delivery or up to six months from the date of delivery in respect of the first two surviving children.
Paternity leave benefits around the world
Paternity leave benefits are in vogue in many countries across the globe; for instance, 46 weeks in Norway, 2 months parental leave for both parents in Germany, 6 months in Iceland, 90 days in Sweden, and 30 days in Spain. The change in the social fabric created by the emergence of more nuclear families in the last few decades and the increasing participation of women in the realm of employment would certainly justify this kind of leave in the interest of newborn children and young working parents.
Legislative developments in India
As a welcome trend in this regard, the Congress M.P. Mr. Rajeev Satav has presented a private bill entitled "The Paternity Benefits Bill 2017" in the Lok Sabha and it would likely be taken up in the next session of the Parliament.