What is the Impact of the New Creche at Haryana Civil Secretariat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- State-of-the-art creche supports working parents.
- Focus on child safety and development.
- Investment in employee welfare by Haryana Government.
- Highlights importance of family-friendly workplace policies.
- Pioneering childcare initiative in India.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for employee welfare, a modern creche was officially opened on Wednesday at the New Haryana Civil Secretariat, located in Sector 17, Chandigarh. The inauguration was led by Financial Commissioner Revenue, Sumita Misra.
The primary objective of this facility is to assist working parents by offering a secure, nurturing, and development-oriented environment for their young children.
The creche, envisioned by Misra, is fully equipped with qualified caregivers, recreational areas, medical support, and contemporary infrastructure. It is tailored to accommodate the children of Secretariat staff, allowing employees to concentrate on their work without sacrificing childcare obligations.
During the inauguration, Misra stressed the significance of family-friendly policies within government workplaces.
“This is not merely a facility; it represents an investment in our people and the future of Haryana. Our workforce deserves professional development without having to compromise their family responsibilities,” she stated.
Currently, Haryana boasts 486 operational crèches spread across 22 districts, serving nearly 10,000 children.
The new Secretariat creche is a valuable addition to this growing network under the Haryana State Creche Policy 2022, which was officially announced in July 2023.
Savita Nehra, District Programme Officer for Women & Child Development, noted that this accomplishment was achieved within a month, crediting Misra’s leadership.
The creche policy, formulated during Misra’s tenure as Additional Chief Secretary of the Women & Child Development department, stands as a pioneering initiative in India.
It provides a comprehensive framework ensuring quality childcare through trained personnel, regular health assessments, immunizations, and age-appropriate educational materials.
Key elements of the policy include a child-to-caregiver ratio of 1:25, designated sleeping and dining areas, safe play zones, and strict safety measures such as entry cards for staff and parents.
With this initiative, Haryana continues to establish national standards in fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.