The Indian Factories Act, 1948, mandates every manufacturer in India to provide crèche facility in any factory that employs more than 30 women. However, there is no such central or state law for non-manufacturing workplaces – offices!

 

Along the lines of the February 2016 budget, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) was expected to introduce a new provision in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which would mandate all establishments with 30 women or 50 employees (whichever is less) to ensure employees have access to crèches in the vicinity. The proposed move was aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce post childbirth. The ministry was expected to seek cabinet approval for the amendments soon.

Read more about this move in news - http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/creches-must-in-offices-soon/

While the MWCD seems to be pursuing a long-pending mandate that is a need of the changing society, we need to show a vote of public confidence and urge to push the government to convert this recommendation into a law at the earliest. It’s time we spread the word and show our support to ensure working Indian mothers have a healthy, well-supervised daycare facility to trust their young one with, right where they work.