28th August 2024 (12 Topics)
1
Aug
2
Aug
3
Aug
5
Aug
6
Aug
7
Aug
8
Aug
9
Aug
10
Aug
12
Aug
13
Aug
14
Aug
15
Aug
16
Aug
17
Aug
19
Aug
20
Aug
21
Aug
22
Aug
23
Aug
24
Aug
26
Aug
27
Aug
28
Aug
29
Aug
30
Aug
31
Aug
India needs to develop a Care Ecosystem
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Context
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.
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
