Rs1 Billion Programme Launched Across Province
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major daycare initiative to support working women across the province. Under the plan, 650 daycare centres will be established by the next fiscal year in hospitals, educational institutions and government offices.
The project is being implemented by the Women Development Department under a special programme launched by the chief minister. The Punjab government has allocated Rs1 billion for the establishment of these daycare facilities.
The initiative aims to create a more supportive work environment for women who manage both professional duties and family responsibilities. It is also expected to help women remain active in the workforce by reducing childcare-related challenges.
Maryam Nawaz said the welfare, protection and empowerment of working women remain key priorities of her government. She added that daycare centres would provide relief to women employees and help them perform their duties with greater confidence.
First Phase Nears Completion
Under the first phase of the programme, the government set a target of establishing 390 daycare centres. Officials said 350 centres are already functional, while work on the remaining 40 is close to completion.
Each daycare centre will be equipped with educational materials, toys and LCD screens. Trained caregivers will also be appointed to look after children in a safe and organised environment.
The Women Development Department will initially cover the salaries of caregivers. This step is meant to ensure smooth operations during the early phase of the project.
The programme has also been expanded to Daanish Schools across Punjab. The move will support female teachers and staff working in these institutions.
Authorities are giving special priority to girls’ colleges and hospitals in South Punjab and remote districts. The aim is to ensure that women working in less-developed areas also benefit from the project.
Online Monitoring System Introduced
The Punjab government has introduced an online monitoring system to review the performance and operations of daycare centres. The system will help authorities track attendance, facilities, staff performance and overall service quality.
In Lahore, 70 out of the planned 86 daycare centres are already operational. These centres have been established in government offices, hospitals and educational institutions.
Daycare facilities have also been set up at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and bar councils. This shows that the programme is being extended beyond traditional government workplaces.
Other districts showing progress include Faisalabad, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Khanewal, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Rawalpindi.
The initiative is expected to improve workplace inclusion for women and strengthen female participation in public and professional life.
Officials believe the daycare network will help reduce stress for working mothers and create a safer environment for children.
If implemented effectively, the programme could become one of Punjab’s most important women-focused welfare projects.
