Quick Summary
- In India, Government policies entitle a government employee to fifteen days of paternity leave. Private employees, however, are subject to their company’s internal leave policy.
- The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules (1972) entitle government employees to 15 days of paternity leave.
- Paternity Leave is an employee benefit offered to male employees at an organization. This leave allows new fathers to take some time off to spend with their growing families.
Table of Contents
The most important step in applying for paternity leave is to write a strong paternity leave application. This article will guide you to craft that perfect application to share with your employer.
A paternity leave allows new fathers time off to spend with their growing families. It gives them the chance to bond with their new baby while caring for their partner. Despite concerns about paternal leave’s impact on their careers, many fathers have embraced it wholeheartedly.
As a result, private sector companies have started to introduce paternal and parental leaves. According to a survey, about 57% of the large enterprises in India offer 2 or more weeks of paternity leave.
Let’s understand how to apply for paternity leave with a good paternity leave application.
Also Refer: How to Apply for a Maternity Leave
How to Apply for Paternity Leave?
Did you know that a universal paternity leave policy does not exist in India? Government policies entitle a government employee to fifteen days of paternity leave. Private employees, however, are subject to their company’s internal leave policy.
Here are the steps to follow if you want to apply for paternity leave-
- Learn about your company’s paternity leave policy. Understand how much leave you are entitled to and the eligibility requirements. You can usually find this information in your employee handbook or by asking your HR department.
- Start planning early. Paternity leave is a great opportunity to bond with your new child, but ensuring that your work is covered in your absence is important. Start planning early so that you can delegate tasks and make arrangements for someone to cover your work while you’re gone.
- Write a formal paternity leave request. This should include your leave dates and a brief explanation of why you are requesting leave. Be sure to keep a copy of your request for your records.
- Meet with your manager to discuss your request. This is your chance to answer any questions your manager may have and to get their approval for your leave.
- Submit your paternity leave request to HR. HR will process your request and let you know if it has been approved.
So, before you submit your application for paternity leave in India, check with your company’s HR Department. Once you have confirmed your company’s paternity leave policy, draft a mail to your supervisor.
Paternity Leave Application Format
Paternity Leave Application Samples
Here are a few samples to help you draft your paternity leave letter:
Paternity Leave Application Before Delivery
Subject: Paternity Leave Application- Vikram Sarabhai
Dear Rupali,
I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to you to request a 15-day paternity leave. My wife is in her last month of pregnancy and is expected to deliver our child soon. Her due date is set for 19th March 2023. I am requesting 15 days off starting from 19th March to 2nd April 2023.
I need to be at home to look after my wife before the delivery. Given some complications in the pregnancy, she has to be on bed rest until the delivery. She will also need help managing our newborn during her recovery period. As our parents are elderly, they cannot fly over to help us.
I have completed all the urgent tasks assigned to me. I have briefed Ms. Ratna Kumar and Mr. Rajesh Kulkarni from my team on my responsibilities. The team has my contact details in case of any emergency. I will be available via email and phone.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could cooperate with me in this matter.
Thank you for understanding.
Regards,
Vikram Sarabhai
Emp ID – 9999
Marketing Executive
Email: VikSarabhai@mail.com
Mobile: (+91) 787 787 7878
Paternity Leave Application After Delivery
Subject: Request for Paternity Leave- Ravi Verma
Dear Sahil,
How are you doing? My wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on 19th March 2023. So, I need to be at home to help my wife during her recovery. Taking time off will also allow me to spend time with my newborn daughter. I request you grant me leave between 19th March to 2nd April 2023.
As of now, I have finished all essential tasks and handover requirements. In Addition, I will ensure that my absence does not impede the progress of projects under my supervision. My colleagues are well aware of what to do during my absence.
In an emergency, they have also been informed to reach out to me at raverma@mail.com. I will also be available by phone at (+91) 343 343 3434. If required, I will be available to provide support part-time or online. I would appreciate it if you could accept my request for leave.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Regards,
Ravi Verma
Account Manager
Email: raverma@mail.com
Mobile: (+91) 343 343 3434
Emergency Paternity Leave Application
Subject: Paternity Leave Request
Dear Chandan,
I hope you are doing well. My wife and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on 19th March 2023. By company policies, I would like to utilize my paid paternity leave. Please schedule my leave between 19th March to 2nd April 2023. Depending on my family’s needs, I may need to extend my time off.
My apologies for the short notice. While I had notified my manager of my impending leave in advance, my original planned dates need to be rescheduled. This is because the baby arrived earlier than expected. She is also likely to spend time in the NICU due to her sudden arrival. I have attached documents of admission with the email for your reference.
I am currently handing over my responsibilities to Ms Shruti Malhotra. My team will be able to reach me via email at armnkh@mail.com. In case of emergencies, my team can also contact me at (+91) 121 121 1212.
I appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Regards,
Armaan Khan
Email: armnkh@mail.com
Mobile: (+91) 121 121 1212
Sample Paternity Leave Application for Government Employees
To
Abhishek Singh
Senior Manager
XYZ Company
Subject: Paternity Leave Application
Dear Sir,
I am writing to request paternity leave as per the paternity leave policies provided for government employees in India. My wife is expecting a child, and I would like to be present to support her during this crucial time and to take care of our newborn. I intend to take a leave starting from [start date] to [end date], a total of [number of days] days.
I have ensured that all my pending tasks and responsibilities have been either completed or delegated to my colleagues [insert name].
It is a humble request to grant me paternity leave for the specified period and consider my application with due diligence. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rakesh Yadav
Keep this in Mind When Applying for Paternity Leave
While drafting your paternity leave request, there are certain points you need to keep in mind.
- Firstly, make sure that you give advance notice to your company and managers. It is important to be clear about your intention to avail your paternity leave. Make sure your management is well aware of it before sending a paternity leave mail.
- Another important point is to mention the duration of your leave. Indicate if your leave is expected to extend beyond the company-mandated paternity leave duration. Provide the expected dates during which you’ll be out of the office. Having this information will help your team and management prepare for your absence.
- End the email by providing emergency contact details. In case of emergencies, your management should know if you will be available to help. Provide options for contacting you via messaging apps, emails, or phone calls.
- When writing the paternity leave mail to your manager, keep it short and to the point. Start with the intent of the email. Follow it up with the duration and dates of your leave. Plan earlier and prepare your team in advance. Decide earlier on who will take over your duties until you return.
- Ensure your handover documents are in order. This is just in case you are required to take paternity leave earlier than planned.
Related Read: Perfect Application for Leave: Tips and Formats
Importance of Paternity Leaves
Paternity leaves allow both parents time to bond with their newborn. Furthermore, it promotes the notion that child care is a shared responsibility. After all, baby care is not solely the responsibility of one parent.
Spending time with your family can also boost your bond with your partner. Partner support during this stressful time contributes immensely to the stability of a relationship. Having both parents share the responsibility of care eases the stress of new parenthood.
Today, private companies are taking progressive steps to include paternity leave in their policies. Employers are increasingly introducing family-friendly policies. These policies allow parents to care for their children without compromising their careers. In the long term, paternity leave benefits both- the employee and the employer. Employees’ morale is positively affected, retention is improved, and productivity and efficiency are enhanced by parental leave.
But, before you apply for paternity leave, make sure to check with your HR department. Your company’s paternity leave policy may differ from others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is an employee benefit offered to male employees at an organization. This leave allows new fathers to take some time off to spend with their growing families. It also allows them to bond with the newborn and assist their partner. This leave can be taken before or after the baby’s birth.
The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules (1972) entitle government employees to 15 days of paternity leave. No such rule exists for private sector employees in India. Private sector employers have their paternity leave policies.
A paternity leave application serves as a formal request to the employer. It contains details on the length of your absence and dates for the same. Additionally, it lets management know that you have taken all the necessary steps before going on leave.
It is important to inform your managers in advance before submitting a paternity leave application. Once confirmed, include dates, duration, and contact details in the leave application. Dates and duration indicate the length of your absence. While contact details will allow your team to contact you in case of emergencies.
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