So, Rajasthan’s medical education department has decided that if PG medical students take maternity or paternity leave, their course duration will be extended by the same number of days. But no stipend will be given for those extra days. This policy kicks in from the 2024–25 batch.  

But postgraduate students aren’t happy. Extending the course for taking parental leave feels like punishing them for having a life outside medicine. And the lack of stipend? That’s just adding insult to injury.  

At a time when concerns about population decline are making headlines, policies like this could discourage young professionals from starting families. If the goal is to support students and balance work and life, this definitely misses the mark.