Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on Sunday, reaffirmed her promise made on International Women’s Day to create daycare centres for working women, which is now being implemented across the province through a special initiative by the Women Development Department.
A total of 650 daycare centres are set to be established in hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices throughout Punjab, with an allocation of Rs1 billion.
This initiative aims to assist working women by offering safe and supportive childcare facilities at their workplaces.
According to the Secretary of the Women Development Department, Saman Rai, the first phase of the project plans to set up 390 daycare centres. Out of these, 350 are already operational, and work on the remaining 40 centres is almost finished.
The Chief Minister has instructed that all 650 daycare centres be completed by the next financial year.
CM Maryam Nawaz stated that the welfare, protection, and empowerment of working women are top priorities for her government.
She also mentioned that daycare centers are being set up throughout Punjab to offer better support and a suitable working environment for women professionals.
Daycare centres to be set up in girls colleges, hospitals
There is also a focus on establishing centres in girls’ colleges, hospitals, and institutions in South Punjab and other remote areas.
An online monitoring system has been implemented to track the performance and operations of daycare centres across the province.
Each centre will be equipped with educational materials, toys, and LCD screens to improve children’s learning and play.
At the centres, trained caregivers will be hired for childcare services, with their initial salaries covered by the Women Development Department.
Daycare centres have already been set up in all Daanish Schools to support women teachers and staff.
In Lahore, 70 out of the planned 86 daycare centres for government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals are already operational.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, daycare centres have also been established at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Punjab Bar Council.
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