Description

Launched in 2022, the Palna Scheme is a government initiative designed to improve access to child care services for working mothers in India. With the increasing prevalence of nuclear families, the demand for reliable and accessible day-care services has grown. Palna addresses this need by offering structured creche facilities, making it easier for women to balance professional and domestic responsibilities. The scheme operates under the ‘Samarthya’ sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, which broadly promotes the empowerment and economic inclusion of women.

Background And Purpose

Palna is an upgraded version of the former National Creche Scheme, reimagined to align with evolving social and economic dynamics. Its primary goal is to recognize and formalize caregiving duties, which have traditionally been seen as unpaid domestic work. The scheme also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8, which advocates for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, along with decent work for all.

Funding Model

The Palna Scheme is financed through a shared funding structure between the Central and State Governments. For most states, the Centre contributes 60% and the states 40%. In the case of North-Eastern and Special Category States, the ratio is 90:10. Union Territories without their own legislatures receive full financial support from the central government. This tiered approach ensures that resources are distributed according to regional needs and capacities.

Key Objectives

The scheme aims to provide safe, nurturing creche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Emphasis is placed on health care, nutrition, early learning, and emotional development. Additionally, the scheme seeks to ensure compliance with creche-related provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, reinforcing the importance of workplace support for women with young children.

Comprehensive Services Provided

Palna delivers a holistic suite of services, including:

• Supervised day-care

• Early childhood stimulation

• Pre-school learning programs

• Regular health check-ups and monitoring

• Nutritional support in coordination with Mission Poshan 2.0

This integrated approach fosters early childhood development while easing the burden on working mothers.

Types of Creche Facilities

There are two models under Palna:

• Standalone Creches – exclusively function as childcare centres.

• Anganwadi-cum-Creches (AWCCs) – integrate childcare within existing Anganwadi centres.

Both types cater to the dual goal of increasing female workforce participation and ensuring child well-being.

Operational Guidelines

To ensure flexibility and accessibility, creches under Palna operate:

• 26 days a month

• 7.5 hours daily

• With a maximum capacity of 25 children

Locations are selected strategically, either near residential areas or close to the workplaces of the mothers they serve.

Support For Workers

Creche staff are essential to the scheme’s success. Workers and helpers receive monthly honorariums:

• Rs. 6,500 for Standalone creche staff

• Rs. 5,500 for AWCC staff

This recognition encourages professionalism and sustained commitment to childcare services.

Progress And Future Plans

As of March 2025, a total of 11,395 AWCCs have been approved across the country. The Ministry of Women and Child Development aims to expand this number to 17,000 AWCCs by the end of 2024–25, increasing the reach and availability of structured day-care services. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality in the workforce by addressing one of the most significant barriers to women’s employment: lack of childcare.

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