Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 October 2024
In a commendable initiative to support working parents, the Cooperative Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration inaugurated the ‘Fathers Home Creche’ on October 24, 2024. The new facility, located within the RCS Office Building on VIP Road, was officially inaugurated by Chief Secretary Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the presence of several dignitaries, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Coop.) Ms. Nandini Paliwal, Special Secretary (Coop.)-cum-RCS Ms. Nandini Maharaj, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman Mr. Arjun Sharma, and representatives from the Chinmaya Mission and the NGO ‘Pankh.’
During the inauguration, Ms. Paliwal highlighted the importance of such facilities, stating, “As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, every establishment with fifty or more employees must provide crèche services.” She emphasized the need for more such initiatives across various departments to cater to the growing needs of working parents.
The ‘Fathers Home Creche’ aims to create a secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children aged six months to 12 years. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the NGO ‘Pankh,’ seeks to provide working parents with accessible childcare options, facilitating a better balance between their professional and family responsibilities.
Swami Shudhananda Saraswati, the Resident Acharya of the Chinmaya Mission, praised the Cooperative Department for its forward-thinking approach in establishing the creche, recognising the vital support it offers to working families. Mrs. Komal Anand, President of ‘Pankh,’ expressed gratitude towards the Cooperative Department for the collaboration, affirming the organisation’s commitment to running the facility.
Located centrally in the heart of the city, the creche is conveniently accessible for employees of various departments within the A&N Administration, enabling them to enroll their children in a safe and supportive environment.
This initiative marks a significant step towards creating a family-friendly workplace in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fostering a culture that priorities the well-being of working parents and their children.