Karnataka: Government plans to set up ‘Koosina Mane’ across 4000 gram panchayats

Koosina Mane translates to “Children’s home”. The Karnataka government had announced in the budget that across 4000 gram panchayats, these creches would be set up in order for working women assistance with regard to maternal care of children. 

Previously Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) had focussed on the healthcare of infants up to 6 years, this scheme has a more expansive scope in many ways. Firstly the timings of the centres correspond to the working hours of women in the agrarian sector. Secondly the age bar is not restricted to children who are below 6 years of age. 

Children being at the place of work of their mothers are susceptible to multiple risks. Foremost among these are workplace hazards which they would possibly not be well equipped to handle. The weather conditions are also at times not appropriate for them. It is also not possible for mothers to devote equal attention to the child as well as to their work.

 Therefore the children being looked after under the guidance of individuals trained for this purpose is always a more preferable option.

 It could also have a positive impact on the participation of women in the labour workforce. Childbirth is a primary reason for their exclusion in this domain.