Haveri District Launches Daycare Centers to Assist Working Mothers
In Haveri, working women who are new mothers often struggle with childcare management due to insufficient facilities, particularly in garment factories and government departments. To tackle this issue, the district administration has inaugurated four daycare centers. These centers are located at the district administration office, women's police station, Devaraj Urs Bhavan, and garment factories in Hanumarahalli of Shiggaon taluk.
Addressing Childcare Challenges in a Developing City
With families becoming smaller and both parents working, childcare responsibilities have intensified. This situation is especially difficult in developing cities like Haveri, where access to childcare services is limited. The new daycare centers cater to children aged 6 months to 6 years, with each facility accommodating up to 25 children. The district administration has contracted NGOs to operate these centers, employing two women as caretakers per location.
Facilities and Operational Details
The daycare centers operate from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, providing essential amenities such as drinking water, non-toxic toys, cradles, and high-tech beds for sleeping. Children receive nutritious meals including liquid food like porridge in the morning, light snacks in the afternoon, and again in the evening. This comprehensive care ensures a safe and nurturing environment for the young ones.
Benefits for Working Mothers and Productivity
These on-site daycare centers significantly aid working mothers in the Haveri district administration, who previously faced challenges in leaving their children behind while at work. Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, Haveri DC, emphasized that such facilities enhance women employees' concentration and productivity. He stated, "On-site daycare centers help increase women employees' concentration and productivity."
Pooja, a female employee at the district administration office, shared her experience: "Leaving children at daycare centers feels like leaving them at home. The caretakers take good care of the children. We can work in the office without any stress after leaving our child here. Since the daycare centers started, our stress has reduced significantly."
Reducing Separation Anxiety and Enhancing Work-Life Balance
Ruchi Bindal, CEO of Zilla Panchayat in Haveri, highlighted the psychological benefits: "The daycare center provides a chance to meet the children throughout the day with less separation anxiety. It allows women employees to commute to work with their children and spend lunch and break time together if they choose." This initiative not only supports childcare but also fosters a better work-life balance for female employees, contributing to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
