India needs to develop a Care Ecosystem

India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) stands at 37%, significantly below the global average of 47.8%. A significant portion of this participation is comprised of unpaid work, highlighting gender disparities in economic participation. Efforts are being made to address this issue through improved childcare services and a more supportive care ecosystem.

Childcare Support Initiatives

• Increased Budget Allocation: The 2024-25 Budget includes a 3% increase for the SakshamAnganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme, aiming to bolster integrated childcare and nutrition programs.
• Community-Based Models: Various states have implemented community-based creches and childcare models, which need to be evaluated for replicability, financial sustainability, and scalability.
• Network Expansion Needed: There is a need for a broader and more context-specific network of creches in rural, tribal, and urban areas to enhance female workforce participation.

Broader Care Responsibilities

• Beyond Childcare: Women are primary caregivers across various life stages, and addressing this requires a holistic approach beyond just childcare.
• Demand for Hired Caregivers: Rising demand for external caregivers in urban areas highlights the lack of standardized processes and protections for domestic workers.
• Lack of Standards: Current care workers often lack training, minimum wages, safety measures, and quality standards, impacting the effectiveness of care services.

Policy and Ecosystem Development

• Need for Policy Intervention: There is a critical need for comprehensive policy intervention to address gaps in training, skilling, and certification of care workers.
• Care Economy Perspectives: The care economy should be viewed from perspectives of economic productivity, business investment, and human rights, emphasizing gender equality and disability inclusion.
• Comprehensive Framework: A life course perspective on care, led by a multi-ministerial committee, is necessary to develop a robust care ecosystem.

Practice Question

What are the factors contributing to India’s low female labour force participation rate? Evaluate the effectiveness of current policy measures addressing childcare and care responsibilities.