Noida: The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has directed all construction site owners employing 50 or more workers to establish crèche facilities within 15 days, citing provisions under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) and the Central Rules notified in May 2026.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam said all construction sites meeting the prescribed worker threshold must comply with the directive within the stipulated period and inform the concerned departments once the crèche facility has been established. The move comes amid concerns over the safety of children of migrant construction workers, who are often left unattended while their parents work at construction sites.
Child Safety Concerns Prompt Action
The administration’s directive follows concerns raised about the lack of safe, supervised spaces for children living with construction workers. A recent report highlighting the situation at a construction-linked settlement in Ghaziabad found that children of migrant workers were often left unattended while their parents worked during the day. In some cases, younger children were reportedly left under the supervision of older siblings.
The concerns have brought renewed attention to the need for dedicated childcare facilities at construction sites where large numbers of workers are employed.
Crèches Must Be Located Away From Construction Hazards
Under the directive, crèches must be established at locations that are easily accessible to construction workers and employees while being away from dust, smoke and other hazards associated with construction activity.
The facilities will have to meet basic standards of hygiene and safety.
According to the administration, crèches must have:
- Clean and hygienic surroundings
- Adequate toilets
- Proper ventilation
- Sufficient lighting
- Safe drinking water
- First-aid arrangements
- CCTV surveillance
- A register containing details of all children admitted to the facility
The administration has also made it clear that children staying at the crèche cannot be subjected to physical or mental punishment.
Woman Must Head the Crèche
The order makes it mandatory for every crèche to be headed by a woman. In addition, all staff members working at the facility will have to undergo police verification. The administration has also directed construction companies to provide children with adequate, nutritious food and snacks according to their needs, and to ensure cleanliness and proper care at the facility.
Emergency and Child Helpline Numbers Must Be Displayed
Construction companies have also been directed to prominently display emergency and child-protection helpline numbers at their sites. These include Dial 112 and Child Helpline 1098, along with contact details of the fire officer, child protection officer and the nearest police station. The aim is to ensure that workers and children can quickly access emergency assistance whenever required.
What the Law Says
The directive has been issued under Rule 58 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, which requires establishments and construction sites ordinarily employing 50 or more workers to provide and maintain an accessible crèche facility for children.
Section 24 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 also provides for mandatory welfare facilities for workers across covered establishments. The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has now directed construction site owners to comply with these requirements within 15 days.
Focus on Children of Migrant Workers
Children accompanying migrant construction workers often live in temporary settlements close to construction sites. With both parents typically engaged in long working hours, children can be exposed to construction machinery, traffic, dust and other hazards. The administration’s order seeks to create a supervised environment where children can remain safely while their parents are at work.
For Noida and Greater Noida, where construction activity continues across multiple residential and commercial projects, effective implementation of the directive could provide an important layer of protection for children living at or near construction sites. Construction companies will now be required to establish the prescribed facilities within the deadline and notify the concerned departments after compliance.