Government proposes extending maternity leave from 98 days to six months

The government has proposed extending maternity leave from the current 98 days to up to six months. The provision is included in the draft of the First Amendment Bill, 2083, prepared to amend the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2075.

According to the draft, women working in government, non-government and private sectors will get six months of paid leave, to be taken before and after delivery.

The proposal also provides for male employees to get up to 42 days of paid care leave when their wife gives birth.

The objectives of the amendment are to protect the health of mothers and newborns, promote breastfeeding, and give mothers an opportunity to rest after childbirth.

Health sector experts have called the proposal necessary and significant.