Parent Care Leave Bill 2026: Employees May Get 45 Days Paid Leave to Care for Elderly Parents

A major private member bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha has proposed a new leave provision for employees across government and private sectors to take care of their elderly parents during medical emergencies and health-related situations.

The proposed legislation, titled The Sacred Bond (Parent Care Leave) Bill, 2026, seeks to provide up to 45 days of paid Parent Care Leave during the entire service period of an employee. The bill was introduced on 13 March 2026 by Sumitra Balmik in the Rajya Sabha.

What the Bill Proposes

According to the bill, every eligible employee would be entitled to Parent Care Leave for attending to the medical, health and wellbeing needs of parents aged 60 years or above. The leave can be taken either in one stretch or in multiple spells with prior approval of the employer.

The proposed leave would:

• Be granted with full pay and allowances
• Not be deducted from any other leave account
• Be available as a one-time aggregate entitlement during the entire service period
• Apply to both government and private sector employees

Coverage of Employees

The bill defines “employee” broadly and includes regular, temporary, contractual, probationary, trainee and apprentice workers. It also covers employees working in establishments employing 10 or more persons.

The definition of “parent” includes:

• Biological parents
• Step parents
• Adoptive parents
• Foster parents
• Parents-in-law above 60 years of age

Documents Required for Leave

Employees seeking Parent Care Leave would have to submit prescribed documents such as:

• Medical certificates
• Hospital admission records
• Other supporting documents proving the need for care leave

In emergency situations, employees may proceed on leave immediately and submit documents within seven working days.

Protection Against Discrimination

The proposed law also contains safeguards for employees. Employers would not be allowed to deny promotions, increments, postings, transfers or career progression merely because an employee availed Parent Care Leave.

If an employer denies eligible leave without sufficient reason, penalties ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh may be imposed under the proposed legislation.

Why the Bill Was Introduced

The Statement of Objects and Reasons attached to the bill highlights India’s rapidly ageing population and the growing pressure on the “sandwich generation” — employees who simultaneously care for children and ageing parents.

The bill notes that while maternity leave, paternity leave and child care leave already exist in various forms, there is currently no dedicated leave provision for caring for elderly parents in most government or private sector employment rules.

Current Status

At present, the Parent Care Leave proposal is only a Private Member Bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha and has not yet become law. Further discussion and parliamentary approval would be required before any such leave entitlement comes into force.