Mumbai: For the first time, all crèches across Maharashtra—whether privately run or government-aided - will be brought under a formal monitoring framework.
The state government on Thursday issued guidelines based on the National Minimum Standards and Protocol for Crèches, laying down clear rules on safety, hygiene, infrastructure, and staffing. Crèche operators will now be required to follow mandatory protocols if they wish to start or continue operations.
These guidelines are in response to a directive from the central government, following which the Commissioner for Integrated Child Development Services submitted a detailed proposal to the state. At present, there is no official data on the number of crèches operating in the state. A senior official admitted that local bodies were responsible for granting permissions, but due to the absence of uniform regulations, many crèches were operating under self-defined rules. That will now change.
The new norms will be enforced through monitoring committees at both the district and state levels. The district-level committee will be headed by the Collector and include officers from the Women and Child Development Department. The state-level committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Integrated Child Development. The guidelines allow crèches to care for children aged six months and above.
These standards are in line with legal provisions under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which mandates crèche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees. Similarly, Section 48 of the Factories Act, 1948 requires factories employing 30 or more women to provide a crèche facility.
Under the new norms, crèches must ensure:
■ Food safety and hygiene
■ A clean and safe environment
■ Trained staff (minimum two)
■ Safe drinking water
■ CCTVs with access for parents
■ Coordination with local police and authorities
Each crèche must also form an administrative committee with at least three parents or guardians. There must be one supervisor for every 20– 25 children. Staff must have cleared Class 10 or 12, and undergo police verification, medical screening, and background checks. Every crèche will be equipped with a basic first aid kit, medical supplies, and a fire extinguisher, ensuring child welfare is not compromised in any corner of the state.
