How Aveksha day care centres in Hyderabad support working mothers with free childcare services

Hyderabad: In a time where working mothers struggle to find safe affordable childcare, the Aveksha Day Care Centres have emerged as a game-changer.

A joint initiative by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Aveksha provides free daycare services to children of industrial workers and underprivileged families. With 14 centres already operational in Hyderabad and plans for expansion, Aveksha is making a tangible difference in the lives of working-class families.

In an exclusive interview with NewsMeter, Uma Gurkha, founder-director of COWE sheds light on the vision behind Aveksha, the challenges they faced and their vision for the future.

The Vision Behind Aveksha

NewsMeter: What inspired you to start the Aveksha Day Care Centre initiative?

Uma Gurkha: COWE has always focused on empowering women through entrepreneurship. However, we were deeply shaken by horrific incidents of child abuse, especially in cases where working mothers had no safe place to leave their children. This initiative was born out of a dual need: ensuring financial independence for women while providing a secure environment for their children.

NM: How do you see Aveksha impacting the lives of industrial workers and underprivileged families?

Uma Gurkha: For many families, the lack of reliable childcare has been a barrier to employment. With Aveksha, women can work without worrying about their children’s safety. This reduces absenteeism and provides an additional income source for families. We’ve seen firsthand how a mother’s ability to work consistently can uplift an entire household.

NM: What has been the most rewarding aspect of this initiative so far?

Uma Gurkha: The biggest success story has been witnessing women, who never had the opportunity to work before, enter the workforce after enrolling their children in Aveksha. In fact, 60 per cent of our daycare mothers were unemployed before they found our centres. We allow non-working mothers to register their children, giving them a two-month window to secure employment. This has been an incredible step toward financial empowerment.

Another rewarding aspect is the feedback we receive. Mothers tell us their children have become more disciplined, developed better eating habits, and are in a structured environment that aids their growth.

Challenges in Implementation

NM: What were the biggest challenges you faced in setting up these centres?

Uma Gurkha: The biggest challenge has been securing rent-free premises. Initially, Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) provided space in industrial estates, but after our first six centres, we stopped receiving such support. Now, we are forced to rent spaces outside industrial areas, which increases operational costs.

Another challenge is ensuring regular attendance. Because Aveksha is completely free, some parents don’t feel a strong commitment to consistent attendance. Ideally, a nominal fee should be charged to encourage responsibility, but since we started as a free service, changing the model has been difficult.

NM: How do you ensure the quality and safety of the daycare centres?

Uma Gurkha: We maintain strict safety protocols. Every centre is equipped with CCTV cameras monitored for three hours daily by two staff members. We follow structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hygiene, cleaning and child care. External auditors conduct compliance checks, and daily photos are reviewed to ensure high standards.

For child safety, we have a strict pick-up policy. Parents are issued ID cards, and only authorised guardians can collect children after verifying their identity through CCTV. Additionally, regular inspections are conducted to remove potential hazards like sharp objects or exposed wiring.

NM: What steps are taken to train and monitor staff?

Uma Gurkha: Every caretaker undergoes a week-long induction training that covers hygiene, child development and record-keeping. Additionally, all staff members attend refresher training sessions at the COWE office on the second Saturday of each month. This continuous learning ensures that best practices are maintained across all centres.

Funding and Expansion

NM: How is Aveksha funded and what role does SIDBI play?

Uma Gurkha: Setting up each centre costs approximately Rs 2 lakh, covering repairs, furniture, toys and basic infrastructure. These costs are met through donations from individuals and CSR initiatives. SIDBI has committed to funding the operational expenses of 20 centres for three years. We also have four centres funded entirely by My Home Group for children of construction workers.

NM: Do you have plans to expand Aveksha beyond Hyderabad?

Uma Gurkha: Yes, we intend to take Aveksha across India. Our goal is to set up daycare centres at every construction site and industrial area, providing much-needed support to working mothers nationwide.

NM: How can individuals or corporations contribute to this initiative?

Uma Gurkha: Individuals and corporations play a crucial role in sustaining this initiative. Donors contributing Rs 2 lakh can fund the setup of a new centre, and their names will be displayed on-site. Meanwhile, corporations can support long-term operational funding, just like SIDBI has done for our first 20 centres. If we can secure corporate sponsorship for groups of 20 centres, we could scale up to 200 centres soon.

Impact on the Community

NM: How do you spread awareness about this free facility?

Uma Gurkha: Social media plays a major role. We post updates daily on Instagram to reach potential beneficiaries. Media coverage also helps spread awareness. Most importantly, word-of-mouth referrals from parents and local surveys by our coordinators help us reach those who need the facility the most.

Future Plans and Sustainability

NM: What is your long-term vision for Aveksha?

Uma Gurkha: We envision a daycare centre at every construction site and industrial estate. Another key goal is to develop a specialised curriculum for construction workers’ children, who often move frequently and struggle with traditional schooling. If we can create a portable learning system, these children will have a better chance at consistent education despite their parents’ transient work environment.

NM: Are there plans to introduce additional services for working mothers?

Uma Gurkha: Yes, we want to go beyond daycare and provide nutritional support, health check-ups, and educational programs for both mothers and children. We are also exploring partnerships for skill development programs for mothers.

NM: How do you plan to sustain and grow Aveksha in the coming years?

Uma Gurkha: Sustainability will come from corporate partnerships and long-term funding commitments. If we can secure ten corporate sponsors for three-year funding cycles, we can establish 200 centres. Our aim is to create a self-sustaining model where industries recognise the value of daycare services and contribute to their growth.

A Gift to Working Mothers

With its name meaning ‘care,’ Aveksha is more than just a daycare—it is a lifeline for working mothers striving for financial independence. By providing a safe, nurturing environment for children, Aveksha ensures that mothers can work with peace of mind, paving the way for economic stability in underprivileged communities.

As the initiative expands, one thing is clear: Aveksha is not just a daycare—it is a movement for change, one working mother at a time.