Crèche facility opens at Mysuru divisional railway office

As part of its commitment towards employee welfare and in a bid to create an inclusive work environment, the Mysuru division of South Western Railway has established a day care/crèche facility, namely, Giggles & Wiggles, on the premises of the divisional office in Mysuru for the benefit of Railway employees working in the headquarters area.

The facility was virtually inaugurated by DRM Guntur and President, South Western Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation (SWRWWO), Sudeshna Sen, while Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru, Mudit Mittal, formally inaugurated the creche facility.

The initiative has been launched in accordance with the division’s responsibility as a primary employer to foster a supportive and inclusive working environment for its women employees. The inauguration was also held in honour of International Women’s Day.

The Mysuru division has around 580 women employees, of which 87 women employees are currently working in the divisional office here. The establishment of the crèche facility is aimed at supporting these employees by providing a safe, secure and nurturing space for their children during working hours.

Speaking on the occasion, senior divisional operations manager Harietha S., highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day and emphasised the importance of such welfare measures in helping women employees balance their professional and family responsibilities.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – Give to Gain - was aptly reflected through this initiative, she said. “By providing a safe and happy space for children, the organisation aims to enable women employees returning from maternity leave to resume work with peace of mind about their children’s care and well-being,” she said.

A release said the creche facility has been designed keeping in mind the developmental needs of children as well as the requirements of new and nursing mothers. The centre includes several child-friendly and safety-focused features such as a dedicated nursing lounge for mothers, a diaper-changing station, sleep pods for rest and nap time, CCTV coverage for enhanced safety and monitoring, a scribble corner for creative activities and a reading corner to encourage early learning.

The facility has been conceptualised and designed with careful attention to the physical, emotional and sensory needs of young children. Special emphasis has been placed on safety, including child-friendly interiors with no sharp edges, the release added.

The aim was to provide high-quality childcare infrastructure within the divisional office at an affordable cost, similar to premium facilities available outside, so that every mother returning from maternity leave can be assured of her child’s safety, the release added.

The fee structure for the crèche facility has been fixed with a one-time registration fee of ₹500. The monthly charge is ₹1,500, while the fee for half-day care is ₹1,000. The first session will be from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and the second session from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. An optional quarterly payment of ₹4,200 has also been provided, the release said.