Govt sets target to open 500 creches across Haryana

Chandigarh, July 21

Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Aseem Goel recently said while the government has set a target to open 500 creches for child care, more would be opened if necessary.

Following its creche policy for 2024-25, the government has approved a comprehensive budget. Reflecting the state government’s commitment to women and child welfare, Rs 32.15 crore has been allocated. Goel said in 2020, the government decided to open 500 creches in the state for children. The Women and Child Development Department has already opened 165 creches in 16 districts in the first phase.

He said Haryana is the first state in the country to create its own creche policy.

Detailing the creche policy, the minister said the trained staff at these centres — located near women’s workplaces — can take care for children aged six months to six years for 8-10 hours. The staff manage activities such as regular health check-ups and vaccinations, sleeping arrangements, education, and recreation. The creches also provide nutritious meals. “There are feeding rooms for infants, allowing mothers to feed their babies during designated lunch breaks,” he added.

Regarding future policies, Goel said the Women and Child Development Department is continuously working to increase the number of creche centres. Training sessions for workers, helpers, supervisors, and children are being organised in various districts. He affirmed that the department is dedicated to the overall development of children.

Talking about the rapid growth of women employees, he said the government’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s education and employment opportunities have led to a steady rise in the number of working women.