Child Care is a fundamental service not a luxury: RS MP

Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) MP Fauzia Khan speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session, in New Delhi.
| Photo Credit: Sansad TV

Child care should be regarded as a fundamental service, not as a luxury, Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan said on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) flagging the photograph of a Railway Police Force (RPF) constable patrolling the station with her one-year-old child strapped to her chest, that went viral soon after the stampede at the New Delhi Railway station on February 15.

Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha Ms. Khan, an NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP pitched for institutional reforms and improved workplace facilities, including creche, to address challenges faced by women in security forces.

“While glorified by the RPF as a symbol of Nari Shakti, I believe that the photo actually highlights the systemic challenges faced by women personnel in insecurity forces and the failure of the system to provide basic support to working mothers,” she said.

The MP also pointed out that currently only women constitute only 4.4% of the total strength of the central armed police forces. For the government’s stated goal of increasing female representation in security forces, it must bring sustainable policies.

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Highlighting that women in security forces already face significant challenges, Ms. Khan said the nature of security work directly clashes with the consistent care that young children need.

“What is needed is toilets, creches, baby care or breastfeeding rooms everywhere so that women can effectively manage both their professional and maternal responsibilities,” she said.

The vision of “nari shakti” she said, must go beyond mere optics. “Policymakers must acknowledge that enabling women to thrive in these roles requires systemic changes, investments in infrastructure, improved workplace facilities, flexible policies, financial assistance and recognition of their dual responsibilities,” she said.