Govt takes notice of non-implementation of law on maternity leave

According to the Act, women are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave for first childbirth, 120 days for second one

By Rana Ghulam Qadir
October 20, 2024
A representational image showing an infant being taken care of by a caregiver in a hospital. — Reuters/File
A representational image showing an infant being taken care of by a caregiver in a hospital. — Reuters/File 

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has taken notice of non-implementation of the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act 2023.

In the office memorandum sent to all ministries and divisions, the Finance Division has said that it has come to its knowledge that some federal institutions are not implementing the Act. The office memorandum directed that all ministries and divisions implement the Act in letter and spirit. 

According to the Act, women are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave for the first childbirth, 120 days for the second childbirth and 90 days for the third childbirth. All public and private institutions are bound to implement it.

Male employees will get 30 days leave three times in case of childbirth. Violation of this law can be punished with imprisonment of six months or a fine of Rs100,000 or both. The law is effective from June 20, 2023.