# Building a Holistic Care Infrastructure for India's Future India must integrate fragmented care services to support economic growth and social participation. - **Source:** [Sci-Tech News | Latest Technological Developments | The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4a13066a-3c97-4a39-939d-dc7626348694 ## Infrastructure 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. ## Economic 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. ## Structural 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. ## Coverage 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. ## Professionalizing 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. ## Global 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. ## Strategic 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. ## Future 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/india-must-build-a-holistic-care-system/article71637714.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._