New Delhi, July 27 (KNN) National Programme for Creche and Day Care Facilities for children is expected to be applicable across the country including unorganized sector, private and public sector organizations, Minister of Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi told Parliament.

According to a recent study, nearly 25-30% of the women in Metros, who recently had their first child, quit their jobs to raise their children.

Also, 2013 World Bank study, shows that only 27% of the female population aged over 15 is working in India.

Moreover, the two foremost reasons for women quitting the jobs are – lack of good quality and affordable day care facilities in India and non-flexible work environment in the organizations for women.

In a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said, the Government has set up a Working Group for formulating comprehensive programme/policy/guidelines for National Programme for Creche and Day Care Facilities for children and its funding pattern etc.

The programme has been set up under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, WCD with participation from Ministry/Department/Organizations and State/UT Governments.

The proposal envisages the facilities of early childhood care, early stimulation for children below 3 years, pre-school education (3-6 years), health care services including immunization & growth monitoring, supplementary nutrition, sleeping facilities, drinking water & sanitation facilities.

The Working Group would also deliberate upon incentives/ facilities to be provided to implementing agencies.

“It is expected that the proposed programme would be applicable across the country including unorganized sector/private and public sector organizations,” she said. (KNN Bureau)