Chandigarh, July 23 - Haryana Revenue Department Finance Commissioner Dr. Sumita Mishra today inaugurated a new crèche in the new Secretariat building in Sector-17, Chandigarh. This important initiative conceived and implemented by Dr. Mishra adds a new chapter in providing the necessary support to the employees of the Haryana Government, especially working parents, by providing a safe and stimulating environment for their young children. He informed that currently 486 crèches are functioning in 22 districts of Haryana, out of which about 10,000 children are enrolled.
During the inauguration, Dr. Mishra stressed on the importance of such facilities in modern workplaces. He said that these facilities are progressive efforts towards creating an environment where our employees can progress professionally without compromising on their family responsibilities.
Dr. Mishra said that the new crèche is fully equipped with trained caregivers, play facilities and all the necessary facilities for the care of the young children of the secretariat employees. He also visited the crèche after the inauguration.
Dr. Savita Nehra, District Programme Officer, Women and Child Development Department, thanked Dr. Sumita Mishra for giving shape to this crèche in the new secretariat within a month. She said that an initiative notified in July 2023 under the Haryana State Crèche Policy 2022, which was implemented, has been conceptualized and realized with the tireless efforts of Dr. Sumita Mishra, who was Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department. It has emerged as a national model for making high quality childcare accessible, safe and secure for working parents across the state.
Dr. Mishra said that the Haryana State Crèche Policy provides a comprehensive framework for crèche facilities that ensures a holistic approach to childcare. The crèche includes a nurturing environment by trained childcare workers, regular medical check-ups and age-appropriate vaccinations in coordination with local health authorities.
The policy also includes comfortable sleeping arrangements, age-appropriate stimulation and reading materials focused on the holistic development of the child and strict security arrangements including access cards for parents and workers. Besides, it emphasizes on a recommended child worker to trained workers ratio of 1.25 and ensures dedicated infrastructure including separate rooms for meals and sleeping as well as space for play and other developmental activities.