UN Declares Care Day: But Who Cares for Caregivers?

The United Nations General Assembly has designated October 29th as the International Day of Care and Support, acknowledging the vital role of care policies in societal well-being, particularly for vulnerable groups. India's history of childcare services, from early pioneers to the large-scale Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, showcases a commitment to early childhood development. However, the ICDS, despite its reach, faces challenges in adequately recognizing and compensating its workforce.

Despite acknowledging the importance of care, care workers in India remain significantly underpaid and undervalued, with wages often on par with minimum wages for unskilled labor. This devaluation impacts their professional development, working conditions, and social security. The increasing pressures from climate change further highlight the disparity, disproportionately affecting poor women and children and complicating care provision, especially in urbanizing areas.

To address these issues, organizations like Mobile Creches and FORCES are working to elevate the status of childcare workers. While initiatives like the India Childcare Champion Awards aim to recognize their contributions, significant investment is needed. Achieving universal, quality childcare, as seen in Scandinavian countries, requires a substantial increase in budgetary allocation, akin to tripling current public investment to 1%-1.5% of GDP.