Mobile Creches Calls for “Sneha Mandals”A Multi-Sector Partnerships to Expand Quality Childcare in Odisha

Over 1000 people join in the 57th Annual Day Celebration of Mobile Creches

BHUBANESWAR (Odisha Tazanews) :- On its 57th Annual Day, Mobile Creches (MC) made a call to action for civil society, skilling institutions, and strategic partners to unite and form ‘Sneha Mandals’ {Care Circles}. This initiative aims to create a powerful synergy to tackle the “care deficit” that currently leaves thousands of children in Odisha without safe, nurturing environments while their parents work.

Odisha is the 8th largest state in India and has seen a significant rise in female labour force participation, reaching 44.7%—well above the national average. However, this economic growth is tempered by a severe lack of childcare infrastructure.

• Over 53 lakh children in the state of Odishaare under the age of six.

• Stunting rates remain high at 31%, adding to the economic deficit every year.

• Families in mining and agriculture are often forced to choose between a day’s wage and their child’s safety.
Mobile Creches is offering the technical blueprint to bridge these gaps. We urge partners to join us in forming Sneha Mandals, {Care Circles} where MC will serve as the core Technical Partner to provide evidence-based content and expertise.

To ensure these circles transition from concept to reality, MC proposes :

• Operational Sandboxes: We will help partners set up “Sandboxes”—demonstration sites that showcase the effective running of creches based on the Nurturing Care Framework (health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning, and safety).

• Sneha Mandals: We seek collaborations with local entities to scale proven models, such as the 150 crèches run by MC with the support of DMF (District Mineral Foundation)Keonjhar that have already empowered 1,600 parents to increase their income.

• Urban Local Bodies: Following the launch o of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation supported creche in Shaheed Nagar,Bhubaneswar we call for more such collaborations in urban centres to integrate childcare into city development planning.

Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar, emphasized the urgency of this collaboration:“Childcare is not just a social service—it is an economic driver. We must expand the pool of trained and certified care workers in Odisha and ensure that every child receives nurturing care.

These caregivers are not just helpers; they are enablers of a developed nation.” She also added, “It has been heartening to see 285 care workers from across Odisha participate enthusiastically in the 57th Annual Day celebrations. Their dedication reflects the collective commitment to nurturing the youngest citizens of our country.”

Smt. Sumitra Mishra, CEO Mobile Creches called for partners to enable care circles across Odisha. “Mobile Creches invites all interested organizations to join this collective effort to ensure no young child is left behind. Together, through Sneha Mandals we can build a state where creches becomecentresto boost the economy and the next generation.” More women join the workforce,and more children grow up with nurturing care, and both contribute to a Viksit Bharat.”