The National Crèche Scheme is an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This centrally sponsored scheme, implemented from January 1, 2017, seeks to provide working mothers with a secure place to leave their children while they are at work. The scheme not only aims at empowering women by allowing them the freedom to pursue employment, but also serves as an intervention towards the protection and development of children aged from 6 months to 6 years.
Working Towards Women’s Empowerment
With a view to emancipate women, the National Crèche Scheme is implemented from the start of 2017. It provides a secure and trustworthy place for working mothers to leave their children whilst at work. This step towards women’s empowerment provides mothers the ability to take up employment without worrying about their child’s safety during work hours.
The Protection and Development of Children
This scheme is not solely targeted towards women’s empowerment; it plays an essential dual role by focusing on the protection and growth of children in the age range of 6 months to 6 years. During these critical years, children need special care, attention and access to certain facilities and services that aid in their comprehensive development.
Providing Day Care Facilities
One of the primary provisions of the National Crèche Scheme is the availability of day care facilities for working mothers. This presents a safe environment where children can stay when their mothers are away at work. These day care centers are equipped with all necessary provisions ensuring that children are well-cared for.
| Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Supplementary Nutrition | The scheme ensures supply of nutritious meals to meet children’s dietary requirements. |
| Health Care Inputs | Health care services including immunization, polio drops and basic health monitoring are provided to safeguard children’s health. |
| Sleeping Facilities | Comfortable and safe sleep areas are designed for children to rest and relax. |
| Early Stimulation | For children under 3 years, early stimulation activities are arranged to promote their cognitive development. |
| Pre-school Education | Children aged between 3-6 years receive foundational education to prepare them for formal schooling. |
Additional Benefits of the Scheme
Beyond the provision of a safe place and day care facilities, the National Crèche Scheme goes a step further in its commitment to child welfare. It provides supplementary nutrition and health care inputs like immunization and polio drops. It also ensures basic health monitoring of the children. Special attention is paid to children below 3 years through early stimulation activtities. Additionally, pre-school education is provided for children aged between 3-6 years thus providing a balanced foundation for their future. This scheme is indeed a comprehensive solution catering to both mother’s employment needs and child’s developmental requirements.
