The number of functional crèches under the ‘National Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers’ in the country during the last three years is as under:

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 requires every establishment having fifty or more employees to have the facility of crèche within a prescribed distance. The State Governments, who are the appropriate Government under the Maternity Benefit Act for establishments other than mines and circus, are required to frame rules for the purposes of the Act, including inter alia for prescribing amenities and facilities required to be provided in such crèches, in light of which the Ministry of Labour and Employment has already requested all the State Governments on 17.11.2017. In addition, Ministry of Women and Child Development has also issued directions/guidelines, from time to time, to the States and Union Territories on various aspects including inter alia for creating awareness among the communities about the prescribed amenities and facilities to be provided in Creches.

In this regard, a communication dated 02.11.2018 enclosing the National Minimum Guidelines for setting up and running crèches under Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 was issued to the Ministries/Departments, States & UTs, advising the requisite know how to set up model crèches facilities with adequate provisions, measures to be taken to create awareness about the Creche facilities among the communities and to promote willingness among working mothers to avail such facilities. Further, a letter dated 04.05.2021 was issued to States/UTs to ensure availability of crèche facilities, and to allow concerned women four visits a day to crèche and interval for rest in accordance with the legal provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act. No data in respect of firms employing more than fifty employees and where crèche is established is maintained centrally.

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.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

*****

BY