Palna Scheme: Empowering Women and Childcare

Scheme Overview: Launched in 2022 under Mission Shakti’s ‘Samarthya’ sub-scheme, Palna replaces the National Creche Scheme to provide daycare for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
Objective: Aims to offer safe, quality crèche facilities, supporting working mothers by ensuring child nutrition, health, and cognitive development.
Funding Structure: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio, 90:10 for North-East and special states, and 100% Central funding for UTs without legislature.
Services Provided: Includes daycare, sleeping facilities, early stimulation (under 3 years), pre-school education (3-6 years), nutrition, and health check-ups.
Anganwadi-cum-Crèches: Integrates with Anganwadi Centers; targets 17,000 new AWCCs in 2024-25, with 11,395 approved and 1,761 operational by February 2025.
Standalone Crèches: 1,284 operational units exist alongside AWCCs, serving 23,368 beneficiaries, enhancing childcare access.
Workforce: Employs honorary Crèche Workers (Rs. 5,500-6,500) and Helpers (Rs. 3,000-3,250), with States/UTs allowed to top-up honorariums.
Operational Details: Crèches run 26 days a month, 7.5 hours daily, with flexible timings based on local needs to support working mothers.
Legal Compliance: Monitors adherence to the Maternity Benefit Act, mandating crèches in establishments with 50+ employees.
Impact: Formalizes childcare, boosts women’s workforce participation, and aligns with SDG 8 for decent work and economic growth.

Glossary

Mission Shakti: An umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A program funded jointly by Central and State governments.
Anganwadi: Community-based centers providing childcare, nutrition, and health services.
SDG 8: Sustainable Development Goal 8, promoting decent work and economic growth.
Maternity Benefit Act: Legislation ensuring maternity benefits, including crèche facilities for working mothers.