Syllabus:Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Context
- UN General Assembly designated October 29 as International Day of Care and Support.
- Highlights the importance of recognising, valuing and redistributing unpaid care work, heavily performed by women.
Evolution of Childcare in India
- Early contributions by Tarabai Modak and Gijubai Badheka established non-family childcare institutions.
- The 1972 Study Group led by Mina Swaminathan shaped a rights-based approach, culminating in ICDS (1975).
- ICDS now runs 1.4 million Anganwadi centres, serving 23 million children with 2.4 million workers.
Challenges
- Care workers remain underpaid and undervalued, earning wages comparable to unskilled labour.
- Rapid expansion diluted pre-service and in-service training, limiting professional competencies.
- Workers lack proper working conditions, leave, social security and career pathways.
- Only 10% of Anganwadis operate in urban areas, leaving migrant families underserved.
Climate Change Context
- Climate shocks force male migration, increasing the care burden on women.
- Poor households face reduced access to food, healthcare and diversified diets.
- Women spend 426 minutes daily on unpaid care work versus 163 minutes by men—equal to 15–17% of GDP (Time Use Survey 2024).
- Child undernutrition correlates with inadequate maternal care time; 35% stunting persists.
Recent Initiatives
- The India Childcare Champion Awards (2025) honoured frontline workers, NGOs and community leaders.
- Workers showcased leadership in breaking caste barriers, advocating for health insurance and supporting migrant children.
Way Forward
- Upgrade wages, training and infrastructure.
- Expand crèches under Palna Scheme, currently only 2,500 functional.
- Increase public investment from 0.4% to 1–1.5% of GDP, matching Scandinavian standards.
- Ensure decentralised, convergent and community-owned childcare systems.