Creches under the ‘National Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers’ are not functional in the country, including in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, at present for the purpose of preventing spread of Covid 19 pandemic.
The number of functional crèches in the country under the ‘National Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers’ during the last three years, that is, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 was 18040, 8018 and 6458 respectively. This scheme is being implemented through States and Union Territories (UTs) with effect from 01.01.2017. Decision for running and continuation of operations of crèches is taken by State Governments and UT Administrations on the basis of verification and inspections got done by them. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India releases fund to States and UTs on receipt of proposals supported with necessary documentation and information from them.
The steps taken by Government for proper implementation of the ‘National Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers’ include monitoring through inspections of crèches, verification of their operations, and follow ups through meetings, video conferences and discussions with the concerned officials of States and UTs.
Further, on evaluation of the gaps in the existing schemes of the Ministry, Mission Vatsalya has been announced with the objectives of improving the outreach and quality of services relating to protection, care and wellbeing of children through interventions such as early childhood care and education and holistic nutrition of children in convergence with other schemes
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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