Women's training centres in Maharashtra to have creche facilities

In a move to encourage women government staff to attend training workshops, the Maharashtra government has decided to set up creche facilities at all training centres for children up to the age of six years.

A Government Resolution (GR) dated December 1, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (services) Dr Bhagwan Sahay, has directed for all administrative training centres having hostel facilities to set up creches, as per norms of Factories Act. Under the said Act, any working facility having more than 30 women employees should have creche facility in the establishment.

"As most training for government staff is held anywhere between five days to six weeks, women employees find it difficult to leave their infants/toddlers at home and attend the workshop. Hence, creche facility has to be provided in the training centre for children up to the age of six years," the GR states.

The resolution says the creche should also have a trained woman instructor to take care of the children in the absence of their mothers. "The creche should have sufficient light and quality air supply and open space for playing. The facility should also be equipped with milk and food appropriate for children. It should also have a clean and private space for nursing mothers," the GR states.

It further says that sufficient toys and play area should also be included in the creche. The GR says the concerned officer from the training centre should conduct checks on the creche facility once in three months to ensure its condition.