Patna: The Bihar government has taken an important step to support working mothers by opening crèches in government offices across the state. These crèches are part of the Chief Minister’s Women Empowerment Scheme and are meant to care for children up to five years of age. At present, 155 crèches are already running in Bihar, and 33 new ones are in the process of being opened. Out of the existing centres, 77 are located inside government offices. The government has also announced a plan to build 100 new crèches so that women do not have to choose between work and taking care of their children.
These crèches are not limited to one or two offices. They have been set up in the State Secretariat and in major departments such as Social Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Labour and Employment, Home Department, and Police Headquarters. Crèches are also operating in the Bihar Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. In addition, centres have been opened in central jails in Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Buxar and Purnea, as well as district jails in Araria, Samastipur and Gopalganj. This shows that the government wants to make child-care facilities available even in difficult and high-pressure workplaces.
In the districts, the scheme has reached almost the entire state. Crèches are working in the district collectorates of 37 out of 38 districts, with only Munger yet to receive one. Child-care centres are also available in 24 police lines. The government has approved new crèches for the Munger collectorate and 16 more police lines, which will further increase the number of centres and help more working women.
For each crèche, the government provides a one-time grant of Rs 5.36 lakh to build basic facilities like rooms, furniture and play materials. Staff are hired on contract, and their payment is made through the Women Development Corporation. Around Rs 3.16 lakh is provided per centre for running expenses. However, problems have been found in some places. At the crèche in Police Headquarters, Patel Bhavan, there are reports of small rooms, not enough bedding and uncomfortable conditions for children. This shows that while the number of crèches is growing, the government must also ensure that every centre is clean, safe and child-friendly.
