Calcutta High Court Creche Nears Operational Status with Medical Staff Deployment
In a significant development for the legal community in Kolkata, a dedicated creche facility on the premises of the Calcutta High Court is expected to become operational in the near future. This initiative aims to provide childcare support for the children of High Court staff, practicing lawyers, and litigants, addressing a long-standing need within the judicial infrastructure.
Health Department Issues Order for Medical Personnel
The state health department has taken a crucial step by issuing an official order to depute two medical officers and one trained staff nurse specifically for the creche. According to a health department official, the medical staff includes two doctors from Swasthya Bhawan and a nurse from IPGMER & SSKM Hospital. These personnel have been instructed to report to the registrar general of the Calcutta High Court immediately to commence their duties, ensuring the facility meets health and safety standards from the outset.
Background and Timeline of the Creche Initiative
The push for this creche dates back seven years, following the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted the necessity for such a facility. On January 22, the High Court directed its registry to ensure the creche becomes functional within 30 days, underscoring the urgency of this project. Sources indicate that the physical space and essential infrastructure are already prepared and ready for use, pending the availability of adequate manpower, which is now being addressed with the deployment of medical staff.
Detailed Guidelines and Operational Framework
The creche will operate under a set of recently issued guidelines designed to ensure efficient and safe childcare. Key aspects include:
- Age Group: Children aged between 6 months and 5 years will be accommodated.
- Capacity: The facility can handle a maximum of four children at any given time, with admissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Operating Hours: It will function from 10:30 AM to 6 PM on working days, excluding weekends, declared holidays, and court vacations.
- Fee Structure: There is no admission fee for daily service. For monthly service, the charges are Rs 1,000 for admission, Rs 1,500 per month in advance for care fees, and Rs 100 per day for daily service.
- Facilities: A separate breastfeeding area will be available to support nursing mothers.
Health and Safety Protocols
To maintain a healthy environment, the creche will not admit children who are ailing or have allergies, minimizing the risk of illness transmission. Parents are required to adhere to strict protocols, including:
- Signing a drop-and-pick-up register during each visit.
- Producing the child's birth certificate for verification.
- Providing an emergency contact number for immediate communication.
- Supplying all necessary items such as food, milk, nappies, spare clothes, and any required medicines.
- Ensuring that children wear mandatory information bands for identification.
Additionally, parents are barred from remaining inside the creche except during drop-off, pick-up, and feeding times. Only authorized persons with valid identification will be permitted to collect children, enhancing security measures.
Impact and Future Implications
This creche represents a progressive step towards supporting working professionals within the legal system, potentially improving productivity and work-life balance for High Court staff, lawyers, and litigants. By integrating medical staff into the facility, the initiative prioritizes child welfare and sets a precedent for similar childcare solutions in other judicial or governmental institutions across the region.
