Former MP seeks attention of government on creche scheme

Former MP M. Ramadass urges government to make Centrally-funded creche scheme functional in Puducherry for children's welfare.

Former Member of Parliament and president of Puducherry Maanila Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam M. Ramadass has urged the government to take steps to make Centrally-funded creche scheme functional in Puducherry.

In a statement, he said the scheme was aimed at promoting the welfare of children below six years. A creche under the scheme provides a safe place to the children of working mothers with supplementary nutrition, pre-primary education and medical assistance.

In the initial days of implementation of the scheme, the Union Territory was sanctioned 25 creches and the number went up to 200 in 2017. These centres were working under the supervision and control of the State Social Welfare Board till 2016. As the Union government decided to close the Central Social Welfare Board, the scheme was brought under Women and Child Welfare Department, he said. 

After it’s transfer to the department, they failed to get funds from the Centre and many creches became dysfunctional. The Union Territory has only 105 creches at present, he said. 

“The scheme is socially significant as it was benefitting around 5,000 children from poor and backward families. The government should take immediate steps to avail funds from the Centre and revive all the 200 creches,” he said.