Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida today inaugurated KALIKA, a new crèche facility at Kharavel Bhawan, designed to offer safe, nurturing day-care support for the children of working mothers and staff. This initiative is aimed at strengthening work-life balance within government establishments and signals a significant step forward in establishing inclusive and empathetic workplace support systems.
KALIKA features colourful activity spaces, trained caregivers, and an environment specifically designed for children’s learning, play, and overall well-being. The facility intends to help children flourish while ensuring that parents, particularly mothers, can concentrate on their work without undue stress.
Speaking at the inauguration, Development, Commissioner Anu Garg, described the facility as an important intervention. “KALIKA is an important intervention in building a workplace where motherhood and professional responsibility go hand in hand. When employees feel supported, productivity and dignity grow together,” she stated.
Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Usha Padhee, echoed this sentiment, adding, “A child-friendly space like KALIKA sends a message — that care is part of our work culture. This initiative will ease the lives of working mothers and foster an environment where children can flourish with love, learning and security.”
The inaugural event was attended by senior officials and staff of the Housing & Urban Development Department and Kharavel Bhawan, alongside the Administrative Officer and Care Taker of the Crèche, highlighting a collective commitment to enhancing employee welfare and child-centred facilities.
KALIKA is seen as a milestone in Odisha’s vision for a modern workplace—one that is conducive to productivity, rooted in compassion, and actively nurturing the future generation through every child it shelters.