STUDY ON THE POLICY FRAMEWORK TOWARDS WORK LIFE BALANCE IN INDIA

Women constitute half of total population in India. The roles played by men and women in the society are not biologically determined but socially justified through the culture or religion. Indian history has exposed instances of discrimination against women infringing their rights for equality, liberty and freedom. It diluted their status in the society and made them a ‘weaker sex’. Indian Constitution forced the social system to divert from the discriminatory ideologies towards equity.Women are compelled to spent much time in performing household and domestic works, which are either not paid or less paid, to force them to lead life under poverty.Economic disparity among gender persists, as women engage in much of the unpaid works in the family and community. Women should be encouraged to contribute equally like men, through education and employment, to attain inclusive growth in the country. Promoting economic empowerment among women is possible by identifying job opportunities, eliminating power imbalances at workplace, facilitating them the power of decision making, realizing leadership, creating career opportunities for their sustainable growth. Women should be partners for the task of nation building at par with men. People should enjoy equal opportunities, rights and obligations justifiable in the political system. The balancing work and life of women is a challenge to both women and organizations in India. This paper highlights about legal and policy framework for bringing work life balance at workplace and states the benefits derived from the work life balance strategies to the employees, organizations and families in general