3 Things Mobile Creches | India@100 Starts at Age 0: Importance of Early Childhood Development
Jul 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sumitra Mishra, CEO of Mobile Creches, and Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka, delve into the significance of early childhood development. They emphasize the 'Right to Care' for marginalized families, showcasing the historical impact of creches on women's workforce participation. The talk highlights Karnataka's Kusinamane initiative to establish rural childcare centers, advocating for universal childcare rights. They explore how investing in quality care not only supports child development but also empowers women, fostering economic equity.
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Global Childcare Gap and Impact
- Nearly 350 million children worldwide lack access to quality childcare, over 40% below primary school age.
- Early childhood care is foundational for cognitive development and breaking poverty cycles.
Mobile Creches’ Origin and Reach
- Mobile Creches began in 1969 at the Rajghat construction site, providing care for children of women construction workers.
- Today, it supports over 5,000 creches across informal settlements and work sites nationwide.
Universal Right to Childcare
- Right to care must be universal for all children and working families, especially working mothers.
- Policies exist but implementation at scale remains the biggest gap, needing institutional care settings for youngest children.