New Delhi, July 10: In a step to ease the burden of working mothers, specially in the northeastern region, the government has earmarked Rs.100 crore (Rs.1 billion) to set up day care centres for their children.
Of the total amount earmarked for the 2009-10 budget, about Rs.10 crore (Rs.100 million) is allocated specifically to set up more creches in the northeastern states, said a statement issued by the Women and Child Development ministry here Thursday..
Under the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, day care services are provided to children upto the age of six and to those belonging to economically weaker background, the release said.
For women whose family income does not exceed Rs.12,000 per month, their children can be sent to the creche at a nominal charge of Rs.20 per month.
The day care service provided to the children comprises providing pre-school education, food, immunization and health check ups.
Under the scheme, there are 22,038 creches in the country. The focus is to open more such centres in the tribal areas and backward districts, the statement added.
–IANS