Sep 28, Kathmandu - Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta said the government plans to introduce additional maternity leave and incentives to encourage population growth.

Presenting the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights (First Amendment) Bill, 2063, in the House of Representatives on Monday, Mehta said amendments to the existing law were needed as census data shows the country’s population growth rate continuing to decline.

The bill proposes six months of paid maternity leave for women employed in government, non-government and private organizations. It also proposes 42 days of paid paternity-care leave for male employees whose wives give birth.

The proposed amendments would also revise provisions on abortions in special circumstances, clarify cases involving forced abortion, and establish penalties for violations of the new provisions.