SIPCOT to Establish Creche Facilities At 17 Industrial Parks to Empower Working Women

To alleviate parental stress, particularly for working mothers, and to encourage greater participation of women in the workforce, the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) plans to establish crèche facilities at 17 of its industrial parks. This initiative builds on the existing 63 crèches spread across 13 SIPCOT industrial parks, which are already benefiting approximately 1.5 lakh employees. As announced in the 2024-25 Budget Speech, these crèches will provide safe and accessible childcare, enabling parents, especially women, to engage productively in the workforce. Once implemented, the crèches in these 17 industrial parks are expected to benefit nearly 3.23 lakh employees. The facilities will comply with national guidelines under the Maternity Benefit Act of 2017 to promote early learning and development.

SIPCOT has partnered with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) Ladies Organisation (FLO) Chennai, represented by its Chairperson, Dr. CA. Divya Abhishek, to implement the project. Under this partnership, SIPCOT will develop the infrastructure, while FICCI FLO Chennai will manage operations and maintenance. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing this collaboration was signed today between SIPCOT’s Managing Director, Thiru. Dr. K. Senthil Raj, IAS, and the Chairperson of FICCI FLO Chennai, in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Thiru. Dr. T R B Rajaa.

Speaking at the event, the Hon’ble Minister remarked, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to champion the Dravidian Model, where inclusive growth and welfare lie at the heart of our development agenda. It is a matter of immense pride that nearly 43% of the women working in organized factories in India are from Tamil Nadu. This highlights the critical contribution of our women workforce to India’s industrial growth.

The establishment of crèche facilities in SIPCOT’s industrial parks is another step toward reducing the personal workload of working women, particularly mothers, so they can contribute more effectively to the economy. By addressing the needs of women workers and improving their working conditions, we are not only promoting gender equality but also enhancing the psychological, economic, and social well-being of the state.

This initiative reflects our commitment to integrating welfare with industrial development. Empowering women strengthens not just industries but also the fabric of society itself. I am confident that this collaboration with FICCI FLO Chennai will set a benchmark for creating a supportive and inclusive industrial ecosystem in Tamil Nadu.”

The event was attended by Tmt. D. Sneha, IAS, Executive Director of SIPCOT, along with officials from SIPCOT and representatives from FICCI FLO Chennai.

Issued By: DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9