Vladimir Putin has proposed, during a government meeting, to extend the program of nursery groups and kindergartens until 8:00 PM. According to him, this measure is necessary for mothers to be able to return to work sooner and to “not lose their qualifications”.
“It is very important for a woman, after giving birth, to return to work as soon as possible. […] What could help in this regard? Precisely the nursery groups and the extension of the time the child spends in the nursery and kindergarten,” he stated.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernyshenko assured that the government will analyze this issue together with the regional governors.
Previously, a similar proposal was made by Natalia Moskvitina, Vice President of the Commission for Demography within the Civic Chamber, who argued that the current kindergarten program is outdated and does not meet the needs of professionally active parents.
These proposals come against the backdrop of a severe labor shortage in Russia. Currently, the government plans to implement a series of measures to increase labor resources. According to a “roadmap” adopted in December 2025, there are plans to reduce the list of professions prohibited for women. Also, changes to the Labor Code are being prepared that will double the annual limit of overtime hours — from 120 to 240 hours.
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