In a new addition to the inclusiveness and supportive work environment is the addition of crèche facility in The Parliament House. On the same line, a crèche facility is being established in its premises. The work is being directly supervised by the Hon’ble Speaker. The office of the Speaker has also appointed a senior official to keep an eye on the progress of the work.
What led to this move?
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Maneka Gandhi had briefed Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha in a letter dated 29th March 2017. The letter pointed out the absence of a crèche facility at the Parliament House. Over one-third of the total number of officials working in the Parliament are women. The office of the Hon’ble Speaker responded swiftly to the letter and issued a notification to set up a crèche within the premises of Parliament House. The Ministry of Women and Child Development thanked the Speaker on Twitter.
Legal framework for such provisions
As per the provisions under the ‘Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017,’ a healthy workplace diversity is to be maintained and crèche facility be provided. All the creche registration requests by the employees’ will be subject to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Professional guarding will be provided to the 1500 sq-foot centre, and will ensure all-round development of children. Besides, a separate feeding room for mothers will be provided.
This development will bring in a visible impact by pushing other establishments- private, central, and state-owned to set up such facilities.