KSCPCR recommends comprehensive regulatory framework for day care centres

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), following the recent case of abuse of children at a daycare centre run on the IT major Capgemini campus, has recommended that the State government introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for daycare centres.

Santosh Kumar, Chairman, KSCPCR, addressing media persons here on Saturday, said the commission currently has no consolidated data on the number of daycare centres operating in Bengaluru or across Karnataka, highlighting the absence of a regulatory mechanism.

Mr. Kumar said that registration should be made mandatory for every daycare centre, and all centres in the State should be brought under the jurisdiction of a single government department for registration and regulation.

In light of the recent case, the commission recommends that CCTV cameras should be installed in all childcare areas, and parents should be provided access to monitor their children through live feed.

Daycare centres should have adequate medical facilities, child safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms. Only trained and qualified caregivers should be employed, with periodic training made mandatory, the commission has recommended.

Companies that outsource childcare services should ensure proper training, monitoring and accountability of staff. Regular inspections and audits should be conducted to ensure compliance with child protection standards, Mr. Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the commission has announced that it would begin inspections of daycare centres across the State to assess their functioning and ensure compliance with child safety norms. In fact, the commission has already begun inspections and recently inspected a daycare centre at the Manyata Tech Park seeking details, Mr. Kumar said. 

Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has announced a review of all daycare centres in Bengaluru.