Building a Holistic Care Infrastructure for India's Future
India must integrate fragmented care services to support economic growth and social participation.
1Infrastructure Beyond Physical Assets
India has prioritized highways and digital platforms as growth foundations over the last decade. However, the care economy remains neglected despite its critical role in household stability. Integrating care into national development strategy is essential for long-term economic participation, mirroring the systematic planning applied to physical infrastructure projects like metro lines.
2Economic Impact of Unpaid Labor
The 2025 Periodic Labour Force Survey reveals 44.4% of women remain outside the workforce due to childcare and homemaking duties. Additionally, the 2024 Time Use Survey indicates women spend 140 minutes daily on unpaid care. These figures highlight how the current lack of accessible services restricts women's professional and public life.
3Structural Fragmentation Across Ministries
Care services are currently split across multiple ministries, including women and child development, housing, and urban affairs. This lack of a common framework creates operational gaps, such as crèches closing before factory shifts end. Without unified governance, valuable programs like Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Shakti struggle to provide comprehensive, continuous support.
4Coverage and Demographic Challenges
UNDP estimates 9 to 10 million women in low-income urban households require childcare services. Simultaneously, 24% of older persons face limitations in daily activities, yet national data on eldercare availability remains scarce. Addressing these coverage gaps is vital as India faces an ageing population that necessitates more accessible, formal care systems.
5Professionalizing the Care Workforce
Care relies on frontline workers, including Anganwadi staff and domestic caregivers, who often face inadequate remuneration. NITI Aayog proposes clear standards, certification, and social protection to transform care into skilled, paid work. Establishing career pathways will improve service quality while ensuring decent working conditions for those currently engaged on honorary bases.
6Global Models for Integration
Other nations are actively building integrated care ecosystems. Colombia’s 2025 policy unites 34 government entities, while Brazil’s 2024 framework utilizes inter-ministerial committees for implementation. Nepal has successfully employed care mapping to fund pilot programs. India can leverage these international lessons to refine its own National Care Economy Mission and governance structures.
7Strategic Policy Recommendations
NITI Aayog suggests a National Caregiving Council to strengthen coordination. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is currently consulting states to develop costed roadmaps. These plans must identify specific gaps in disability support and eldercare, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined across all levels of government to facilitate effective, scalable implementation.
8Future of Care Investment
Moving forward, India must treat care as a strategic investment rather than mere welfare. By aligning financing, implementing statutory paternity leave, and utilizing data-driven roadmaps, the nation can unlock significant economic potential. The goal is to build a robust care system that supports sustainable growth for the 2047 vision.