NCW pushes gender-neutral child care leave, targets 5 lakh creche seats

The National Commission for Women has unveiled an ambitious child care framework aimed at easing the burden on working parents and promoting gender equality in India's workforce. The proposal centers on introducing gender-neutral child care leave provisions that would allow both mothers and fathers to access parental leave without discrimination, marking a significant shift from existing policies that typically prioritize maternal leave.

Under the NCW's roadmap, the government would establish 5 lakh creche seats—equivalent to 500,000 positions—by 2030 to provide affordable, accessible child care facilities across urban and rural areas. The initiative is designed to address a critical gap in India's social infrastructure that has historically hindered women's workforce participation and career advancement.

The commission's recommendations come amid growing recognition of the need to balance work and family responsibilities more equitably. Officials have indicated that the gender-neutral approach would help normalize parental involvement in child rearing while enabling both parents to pursue professional opportunities without facing systemic barriers.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to relevant government ministries for consideration and implementation. If adopted, the framework could reshape workplace policies and family structures across India's organized and unorganized sectors, potentially influencing millions of working parents nationwide.