LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated her commitment to working women by announcing the establishment of 650 daycare centres across the province. The initiative, launched under the Women Development Department, aims to provide safe and supportive childcare facilities at workplaces, including hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices.
Project Details and Funding
A total of Rs1 billion has been allocated for the project. According to Women Development Department Secretary Saman Rai, the first phase involves 390 daycare centres, of which 350 are already fully operational, while work on the remaining 40 is near completion. The chief minister has directed that all 650 centres be established by the next financial year.
Facilities and Staffing
Each daycare centre will be equipped with educational materials, toys, and LCD screens to support children's learning and recreation. Trained caregivers will be appointed, with their salaries initially covered by the Women Development Department. An online monitoring system has been introduced to oversee the performance and functioning of all centres.
Current Operational Centres
In Lahore, 70 of the planned 86 centres are already operational in government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals. Centres have also been established at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Punjab Bar Council. Across the province, centres are functional in Faisalabad (20), Bhakkar (21), Sheikhupura (18), Layyah (18), Khanewal (17), Bahawalpur (17), Multan (16), Okara (15), Nankana Sahib (14), Sialkot (12), Vehari (12), Gujranwala (12), Rawalpindi (7), and Sargodha (7). Additionally, all Daanish Schools now have daycare centres for women teachers and staff.
Focus on Remote Areas
Priority has been given to setting up centres in girls' colleges, hospitals, and institutions in South Punjab and other remote districts. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the welfare, protection, and empowerment of working women remain among her government's foremost priorities, and these centres aim to provide a conducive working environment for women professionals.
