Pune: The state government has given approval for the establishment of 345 new creches under the Samarthya program of the Mission Shakti scheme, following the guidelines set by the central government.
Each of these creches will be staffed by a creche worker and an assistant, marking a significant step in enhancing childcare services in the state.
The decision was confirmed by a government resolution issued by the Women and Child Development Department. The Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, previously run by the central government, has now been integrated into the National Creche Scheme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Orders were initially given to start the creches in 2022, and detailed guidelines were issued in 2023. Funding for this initiative will be shared between the central and state governments, with the central government bearing 60% of the costs and the state government contributing the remaining 40%.
As part of the new scheme, the state government has approved the establishment of 345 creches in the first phase. The cost of running each creche is estimated at Rs 3,36,600 annually.
This budget will cover the salaries and allowances of the creche workers and assistants. Creche workers will receive a monthly salary of Rs 5,500, along with a Rs 1,500 allowance, while assistants will be paid Rs 3,000 with an additional Rs 750 allowance.
In addition to salaries, the creches will be equipped with preschool kits, nutritional food supplies, medicine kits, and toys for the children. For renting creche spaces, Rs 12,000 will be allocated for metropolitan areas, and Rs 8,000 for other regions. A one-time grant of Rs 50,000 will be provided for setting up the creches.
The implementation of the scheme will be overseen by committees at various levels. A state-level steering committee, led by the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, will provide overall guidance.
At the commissionerate level, the Commissioner of the Integrated Child Development Services will chair the committee, while district-level committees will be headed by the respective District Collectors.
At the creche level, Anganwadi workers will lead local committees to ensure effective on-ground implementation.